Claudia "YaYa" Rhea Montgomery

Claudia Rhea Bunn Montgomery (Mom) ran the good race and is resting in the arms of Christ after a courageous fight against cancer she beat on August 14, 2024. Mom was born in Harlan Kentucky on May 21, 1957. Upon moving to Knoxville in her early childhood, her father, Dr. Raymond Bunn, remarried Nolita Marie who became “Mother” for Claudia. Mom cherished her adolescent life with multiple sisters and brother and often reminisced upon the great memories they all had together amongst Mamaw Marie’s delectable meals. Mom took it upon herself to become a cook equal to her mother and we can all agree that she succeeded in this monumental task. Mom fell in love with Barry from the day they met, and always said that she knew that “he was the one” she would marry after graduating Doyle High school. Their life together was built upon a desire to spend quality family time. Mom decided to remain home, raising their three children while helping Barry manage the family automotive repair shop Chapman Enterprises in her later years. Mom loved spending time outdoors, camping across the country, and spending countless days upon the lake. Mom had a deep love for animals, especially horses, and tending to her ever growing and changing flower gardens. While mom loved her children, she especially loved her grandchildren, Finley, Scarlett, Eleanor, and Oaklynn and was the perfect "YAYA" for them. The joy her grandchildren brought her created lasting memories. However, Mom’s greatest love is her love for Jesus Christ. From an early child, Mom always sought after Christ, which was the bedrock for her life. Mom was highly involved at her home church, Colonial Heights United Methodist, seeking to raise her family in respects to God’s desires. Her impact upon the members of the church, especially the youth who her children were involved with, reveals a legacy of fruit producing fruit. Mom loves Jesus, more than anything this world had to offer, and is worshiping her Lord and Savior with her hands raised high! Mom’s greatest desire is for everyone to feel the love and peace that only Jesus can offer. Preceding her in death includes immediate family members: her father, Dr. Raymond Bunn; mother, Nolita Marie Bunn; mother-in-law, Dorothy Montgomery, and father-in-law, Bruce Montgomery. She is survived by her husband of 47 years, Barry Montgomery; siblings, Sandra Alsup and spouse Kurt Kemper, Donna Shinlever and spouse Rev. Kenneth Shinlever, Sharon Alsup and spouse John Murphy, Carol Sparks, Laura Webster and spouse Greg, Harrison Alsup and spouse Laurie, Kenneth Montgomery and spouse Kathy, Robert (Bobby) Montgomery and spouse Laura. She is also survived by her children and grandchildren: Adam Montgomery with Finley and Eleanor, Scott Montgomery and his spouse Katie with Scarlett and Oaklynn, and Sally Jones with her spouse D.J..

Family and friends will gather to honor the legacy of Claudia on Saturday, August 17, 2024, with a visitation from 3:00pm to 5:00pm and a funeral service to follow at 5:00pm at Colonial Heights United Methodist Church, 6321 Chapman Highway, Knoxville, TN 37920. Family and friends will meet at Woodlawn Cemetery, 4500 Woodlawn Pike, Knoxville, TN 37920 for a committal service on Sunday, August 18, 2024 at 1:00pm with Rev. Scott Montgomery to officiate the service. In lieu of flowers consider a donation to Horse Haven of East Tennessee, 2477 Ford Rd., Lenoir City, TN 37772 or Colonial Heights United Methodist Church, 6321 Chapman Highway, Knoxville, TN 37920. Online condolences and fond memories may be shared with the Montgomery family at www.berryfuneralhome.com

Berry Funeral Home

3704 Chapman Highway

Knoxville, TN 37920

865-577-6666