Dorothy Montgomery

2 Timothy 4:7 - "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith."

Dorothy B. Montgomery, affectionately known as Mama Dorothy, or Granny to most of us, was born on December 25, 1930

-a Christmas baby, a gift to the world. She was 94 years old when she peacefully transitioned on July 28, 2025. She was a woman of strength, resilience, and unwavering love. Her life was a testament to hard work, grace, and the kind of faith that moves mountains. She gave endlessly to those she loved -and she was always there, even if she was "a little late."

Dorothy was born to Mary and Frank Bray and was one of several siblings. She is now reunited in peace with her beloved parents and siblings: Frank Jr. Bray, James Terry Bray (J.T.), John Bray, Samuel Bray, Dora Lee Bray, Anna Lee Bray, Olive Bray, William Bray, Lucille Bray Herbert, and L.E. Montgomery-each of whom she cherished deeply.

She was preceded in death by two of her children: Bertha Faye Connor and Garry Montgomery.

Dorothy leaves behind her loving children: Elaine Stevenson, Patricia Long (Elgin), Benny and Lewis Montgomery. Her legacy spans five generations, including 14 grandchildren, 8 great-grandchildren, and 8 great-great-grandchildren, as well as an abundant number of nieces and nephews.

Today we gather not in sorrow alone but in gratitude! Gratitude, grateful and blessed for the many many years we got to share with Granny who was known by many people whose lives she impacted as Mama, Auntie, Granny and Mama Dorothy...

Granny was a resilient woman, an ace of spade, her ambition kept her pushing to do more, she had her hands in a little bit of everything, she even had the experience of working at NASA military base. She was a black female owner of many establishments, during those times that wasn't a common thing. She had a forté and a passion for food. In life you were going to be a lot of things, but being hungry?... around here?? unheard of! Everything Granny made was unforgettable-from her holiday dressing and famous upside-down pineapple cake to her special chili in a Frito pie. Some might even remember her homemade burgers, but you didn't truly have one unless you were brave enough to try the infamous Chico Burger: five real ground beef patties, seasoned to perfection! She could whip up the biggest pot of spaghetti, and somehow the flavor stayed rich and consistent from the first serving to the last. Every dish was made with love, and the warm conversations she shared alongside them left you full-not just with food, but with wisdom.

She didn't believe in staying down. If life threw her lemons, she was going to start a lemonade company! She was strong humble, hard-working, and a provider. She blessed the lives of so many-whether by providing employment, offering a ride, lending a listening ear, or buying something you needed. If there was a will, Granny was going to make a way. If she told you "Baby, I got you", all you needed to be is ready and don't ask too many questions. You could always count on her to show up when it counted, she was about her business. Just be patient because she was going to be there even if sometimes a little late those of you that know her, just know that!

Granny was a warrior who faced life's trials and tribulations with grace. She wasn't afraid to live outside the box or set her own boundaries-unless God said otherwise. Her travels took her to many places, and with each journey came stories that reflected the courageous life she lived. If we're brave enough to let nothing stand in our way, to push harder than we did the day before, and to make our lives count for something, then we too can walk through life with purpose. We can treat people better, because ain't nobody mad but the devil-and no one was ever going to steal her joy!

There are countless memories-too many to name-that capture who my Granny truly was. She showed up. She provided. She sacrificed. She loved. And she did it all with a quiet power that touched everyone blessed to know her. She was the rock, the glue, and the gentle guiding hand in so many of our lives. Her faith was the anchor of her life. She loved gospel music and could light up a room when she was talking about her Lord. She lived her life as a testimony - walking in faith, working hard, loving deeply, and giving freely.

Today, we cry because we miss her. But we also smile because we know she is home - reunited with loved ones gone before her, resting in the arms of the Savior she loved so much. And if we listen closely, maybe we can almost hear her saying, "Don't cry too long, baby. I'm alright now. Keep going. Keep the faith."

So let us celebrate Granny's life the way she would want - with love in our hearts, joy in our souls, and faith in our steps.

Because a woman like her doesn't just leave memories - she leaves a legacy.

Rest well, Granny. You have truly fought the good fight, finished your race, and kept the faith.