Betty Montgomery

Betty J. Montgomery, age 85, of Grand Rapids, passed away on Sunday, September 29, 2024. The world was blessed with a radiant light on February 22, 1939, when Betty Jean Montgomery was born in Utica, Mississippi, to Percy Sr. and Susie Richards. Both of her parents predeceased her, but their love and values shaped the remarkable woman she became. Betty embraced her faith, accepting Christ as her personal Savior and becoming a devoted member of New Hope Baptist Church. Betty graduated from Muskegon Heights and went on to pursue a career in healthcare, working as an Administrative Assistant at a doctor's office and later as a Nurse for Butterworth Hospital. She embodied the spirit of compassion and service, with caregiving being second nature to her. She married the love of her life, David Montgomery Sr., who cherished her unconditionally. Together, they had one son, David Montgomery Jr., whom she adored and loved with the depths of her soul. Betty and David enjoyed traveling to visit family in Flint, Chicago, New York, and Cleveland, creating countless cherished memories. Her love extended to her granddaughters, who spent summers with her during their youth, soaking in the love and wisdom she shared. Betty's granddaughters are a depiction of her character and are deeply rooted in the strength she instilled in them. Betty found joy in going to church, reading books, completing crossword puzzles and shopping with her best friends, Clementine and Patricia. A woman of grace, elegance, and unwavering strength, Betty was eloquent in words, style and action. She not only cared for those around her but imparted powerful life lessons- encouraging others to always do the right thing, treat people with kindness, and find good in all things. Her wisdom and compassion will continue to resonate with everyone whose lives she touched. Betty's warmth, grace, and compassion reflected a deep connection to love and service. She carried a light within her, radiating kindness and lifting the spirits of everyone around her. Each day, she lived with a profound sense of purpose, fully embracing her roles as a nurturer, protector, and giver, always guided by her faith and her unwavering belief in the goodness of God and humanity. Even after becoming a resident at a nursing home, Betty never stopped caring for others. She continued to assist fellow residents and nursing staff, finding joy in small acts of service like setting the dinner table. Though her earthly journey has ended, her spirit will continue to live on through her loved ones. She is survived by her beloved son, David Montgomery Jr., her grandchildren, Cassandra and Teresa "T.Lee" Montgomery, and her great-grandson, Maurice Overby II. She also leaves behind her brothers Curie (Mary) Richards of Flint, and Albert Richards of Muskegon, as well as her sisters, Evelyn Smith of Flint, Alma Pratt of Flint, and Shirley (Robert) Madison of Norton Shores. Betty also leaves behind a host of nieces, nephews, and Faith Bodnar, to cherish her memory. Betty now joins in eternal peace with those who have preceded her in death; her parents, Percy Sr. and Susie Richards, her husband, David Montgomery, Sr., her brother Percy Richards, Jr., and her sister, Mettie Z. Fox. Betty's life and legacy was a testament to love, strength, and service, and her memory will forever live on in the hearts of all who knew her. Family hour is from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. on Tuesday, October 8, 2024, at Michigan Cremation & Funeral Care, 3627 Linden Avenue S.E., Grand Rapids, where homegoing services will be held at 12:00 Noon on Tuesday. Burial will follow at Garfield Park Cemetery. To send a message of sympathy to the family, sign Betty’s online guest book, or to share a favorite memory, please visit: www.MichiganCremation.com Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Michigan Cremation & Funeral Care, Grand Rapids, 616-452-3006 To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Betty Montgomery, please visit our flower store.