Josephine S. Montgomery

Josephine received Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior at the early age of 12 at Mount Zion Missionary Baptist Church in Tallulah, Louisiana under Reverend Frank Wilson.  She was an active member of the usher board.

Josephine moved to Chicago in 1959 and joined Christian Valley Baptist Church under Reverend Lucius Davis. She was an usher, church secretary, a Sunday school teacher and a choir member. Josephine graduated from Harrison High School in 1961.

Josephine Naylor and Leon Sherrer were married from 1963 to 1981. To this union three children were born: Michelle, Stephanie, and Leona.

She was a great cook, she liked to sew, a stern yet loving disciplinarian, devoted wife and mother, and enjoyed being with her family. Josephine was always supportive and would drop everything for her “girls”. Her mottos were “things must be decent and in order” and “I am going to tell you what God loves.”

In August of 1988, Josephine and Gremel Montgomery were married at Life Center Church under Pastor T. L. Barrett, Jr. They were married for over 35 beloved and cherished years.

She was a member of the Improved Benevolent Protective Elks of the World. She was promoted to a Colonel in the Antler Guard, received her Grand Honors, and was the recording secretary of several departments. Josephine (Lady J) was a dedicated employee of Nabisco Brands and Company for over 30 years and retired in 1997. She remained active after retirement by traveling.

Josephine was preceded in death by both parents, brothers James, Randy, Gregory and sister Betty Jean.

On Saturday, October 28, 2023, Josephine peacefully went home to be with the Lord.

She leaves to cherish her memory a loving husband, Gremel Montgomery, daughters; Michelle Cegers, Stephanie (Carlton) Martin, Leona (Shaun) Shannon, grandchildren: Zamone Cegers, Alexander Joiner, Justin Martin, Leona (Blake)Lilly, Shaun Shannon II, and Michael (Jennifer) Shannon; ten great- grandchildren; sisters, Fannie Barclay and Kotalisa (Edwin)Caballero; brother Christopher Woods; mother-in-law Frankie Burnett; sister-in-law Shawn (Glenn) Jackson, lifelong friend Velma Wynn, and a host of nieces, nephews, extended family members and friends.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.blakelamboaklawn.com for the Montgomery family.