Carolyn Sue Montgomery

Carolyn was born on December 25, 1946 in Dalhart, Texas to William and Elizabeth LaFever. Having lost her father tragically while a small child, her mother later remarried DeRoy Blackman. Carolyn was raised in a loving, God-honoring home with her sister, Gayla, and brothers Charles Edward and Roy. Carolyn’s family moved from West Texas to the Dallas area where she graduated from South Oak Cliff High School in 1965. She loved drive in movies, the Beatles, Elvis, and spending time with her two best friends, Sylvia Jo and Ellen. After graduating from South Oak Cliff, she worked as a secretary in Dallas and later married a man who gave her two beautiful children (Denise and Marshall) but a young married life of heartache.

A domestic violence survivor, Carolyn endured hardship and bravely escaped that situation where she could raise her children in a loving and nurturing home with her parents in Lancaster, Texas. Those devastating years lead to a fairy tale only God could make come true. While working as a secretary at Rick’s Furniture in downtown Dallas, she met the love of her life Gary Montgomery. She knew she was in trouble when he wouldn’t stop pestering her. Gary worked the warehouse and Carolyn worked in the office. He asked her out. She said yes. They were married in Albuquerque, New Mexico on September 11, 1976. She wore a powder-blue dress handmade by her mother, Elizabeth. They were happy. He loved her two children as his own. A few short years later, they moved the family from New Mexico back to Oak Cliff, Texas where Gary sold his prized sports car for two reliable cars the family needed. She loved him more. He loved her more. They would later have a child of their own having suffered two miscarriages. Nancy Beth Montgomery was born on August 9, 1978. They ultimately settled in Grapevine, Texas after a few short years in Farmers Branch. Grapevine would be home for 18 years until heartbreakingly, Nancy Beth passed away in 1999. By God’s remarkable grace and promise, Gary and Carolyn survived this loss and went on to build a new life in Flower Mound where they both retired. But that’s not the end of the story. God had a greater plan. He blessed Gary and Carolyn with eight grandchildren and a church home in First Baptist Grapevine. Possessing a true servant’s heart, Carolyn faithfully cared for family and friends through delicious cooking from scratch such as enchiladas & chocolate cake and keeping a home ready for visitors at any time. Her heart was her home, her family.

Carolyn loved to write, read, pray, watch movies (especially Disney!), and play board games– especially with her “Grandangels” in later years. More recently, you would find her making pizza for movie night with the grandkids or sitting front row on Friday nights at Lewisville High School football games to watch her grandsons in the marching band. She was a loud and proud Grammy! Throughout her life she maintained a sweet demeanor that won the trust and hearts of many, who even now are being changed by her witness of love and faith. Her signature gift of joy, shown through her constant smiling, laughter, and joking around, will never be forgotten. And speaking of significant gifts of joy, Carolyn was most known for her card ministry at First Baptist Grapevine. For over 15 years she handwrote and mailed thousands of cards from her home to friends and family for many occasions and reasons. Being ill for many years, Carolyn found a way to minister to the hearts and minds of others. To share God’s love. To be the hands and feet of Jesus. She was a source of strength, encouragement, laughter, wisdom, and happiness in mailboxes in a time where the written word is increasingly special.

Carolyn is preceded in death by her parents, Charles LaFever, Elizabeth Blackman, & DeRoy Blackman; one brother Charles Edward, and daughter, Nancy Beth. She is survived by her husband of 40 years: Calvin Gary Montgomery; children Denise (married to Randy) and Marshall (married to Debbie); and grandchildren Noah, Valkyrie, Simon, Tanis, Elizabeth, Rachel, Kitana, and Alora. She is also survived by Gayla & Joe Gatling, Roy & Faye Blackman, Loretta Krieger, Bruce & Sherry Montgomery, Charles Gatling, Chris & Gin Gatling, Teresa & James Teeter, as well as many beloved cousins, nieces, nephews.