Louise Newman Montgomery

Lida was a member of Peoples Seventh-Day Adventist Church located at 10th and V Street, NW. In 1916, during the time she played piano for church programs, she met Paul whose family were devout members of St. Augustine Roman Catholic Church. In the Fall of 1917 the young couple married, each maintaining separate Christian faiths. At the time of Louise’s birth, she was the first girl born to a member of the Peoples SDA church (which became Ephesus SDA Church finally growing in to Dupont Park SDA Church). As an infant, she was baptized at St. Agustine Roman Catholic Church.

Over time Paul and Lida’s family grew with the births of Roland Waverly Newman, Arthur Eugene Newman, Jerome Augustus Newman, Esther Jean Newman (Richardson), and Herman Francis Newman. All of whom preceded Louise in death.

In 1923 (at the age of four) Louise began her formal education at Briggs School. In 1936 she graduated from Dunbar High School. She went on to complete her Bachelor of Arts degree in Education from D.C. Teacher’s College (now part of the University of the District of Columbia).

By mid-1920’s the Newman family had moved to the 100 block of P Street NW, Washington, DC. Grandma and Grandpa Newman lived at 125 P Street. Montgomery Family lived in the house next door. Raymond A. Montgomery, Sr. and Viola Watson Montgomery had a house full. The family grew to include: Raymond Jr., Harold, Charles, Reginald, Emma, Elizabeth, Constance, Miriam, Marion Louise and Seward.

Raymond Jr. and Louise “liked what they saw” in each other. A fond memory they shared was standing in the kitchens of their respective homes, breathing on the windows then writing love messages in the “fog” on the windows. She fell in love with the guy next door.

In high school Louise studied Latin, Spanish and French. While a junior and senior in high school, she worked as a coat-check girl for special events at the White House. Her love of singing continued and was guided by instructor Miss Europe. While a senior in high school, Louise became a founding member of the “Cantorium”. The choral group, directed by Miss Europe, developed a remarkable reputation performing and touring.

On November 26, 1936 Raymond and Louise married at St. Thomas More Roman Catholic Church in Manhattan, while the Cantorium was on a singing tour of New York. After honeymooning in Niagara Falls, Ray and Louise established their home in Washington, DC. God blessed them with a son and three daughters: Raymond Augustus III, Joyce Ann, Joan Andrea and Janice Anita.

During her career she taught at Shadd Elementary School in the District of Columbia. Then, under the mentorship of Margaret Duncan she became the founding librarian for Dupont Park SDA School.

In 1973, Louise and Raymond moved to Louisville, KY to further his career. It was there that he was baptized into the SDA faith. Together they become active members of Magazine Street SDA Church, each taking leadership roles. She established a citrus fruit fundraising program to support the Home and School Assoc. of the E.L. Minnis Day Care Center and School. The program continues to be a viable source of funding.

They retired to Southern California were they joined the Kansas Avenue SDA Church. Raymond and Louise were active in the church and community. Their great joy was spending time with children, grandchildren and great grand children. Louise love gardening, reading newspapers and other materials and sharing time with Ray.

In 2001 Louise was widowed when Raymond lost his battle with prostate cancer; a loss from which she never recovered.

In 2005 she joined family members and settled in Austin TX. There she spent time researching and recording Newman- Proctor family history; tracing her roots in Charles County Maryland to the late 1600’s. She delighted in visiting with family and friends in person, by phone and on her FaceBook page.

On September 9, 2010 Louise Newman Montgomery entered into her final rest.

She is survived by four children: Raymond Montgomery III, Joyce Montgomery Shepperd, Joan Montgomery Lyles, and Janice Montgomery Preston; One daughter-in-law, Norma Ferguson Montgomery; Two sons-in-law, E. Wayne Shepperd, Jr. and Louis R. Preston, Jr. A bother-in-law, Reginald Montgomery; Three sisters-in-law: Romana Abyana Newman, Helen Gantt Montgomery, Shirley Hagler Montgomery, and Elizabeth Montgomery Thomas-Reynolds; Four first cousins; Ann Newman

Jackson, Naomi Newman, Gwendolyn Newman Barnes, and Marion Ray Scott; 16 grandchildren: Duane M. Montgomery, Dwight M. Montgomery, E. Wayne Shepperd, III, Eric M. Shepperd, Donna M. Montgomery, Steven M. Lyles, E. W. (Tony) Shepperd, Dale M. Montgomery, Sanford M. Lyles, Lauri R. Preston, Diedre M. Montgomery, Louis R. Preston III, Dieter M. Montgomery, LaJoy R. Preston, Leonard R. Preston, and Dari M. Montgomery.;18 great grandchildren; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, kinsmen, and friends.

Arrangements entrusted to Joseph Gawler's Sons Inc., Washington, DC.