Rev. Lemuel Adolphus Montgomery

Reverend Lemuel Adolphus Montgomery passed away on Saturday, July 2, 2022. He was 81 years old. We’ve lost a powerful, fun-loving spirit who was dedicated to the Lord, family, and community.

Reverend Montgomery was born on September 15, 1940, in Winston-Salem, NC. As a child he enjoyed music and play writing for his siblings, Chico, Clara, Shasha, and Jimmy. His passion for learning led him to attend Winston Salem State University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Education.  Ever the scholar, he received a Master’s Degree in Education from the University of Virginia. 

Reverend Montgomery met his wife, Joan Armstrong Montgomery, in 1960 at Winston Salem State. They were college sweethearts and married on June 22, 1963. Shortly thereafter, they moved from Winston Salem to Warrenton, Virginia. Reverend Montgomery quickly became an active member in his community as an educator, choir director, musician, and friend. Both Reverend Montgomery and Joan found their church home at Mt Zion Baptist Church, where they were dedicated to the music ministry. In their new hometown of Warrenton, Reverend Montgomery and Joan raised their only daughter, Phaedra Montgomery Paraison.

Reverend Montgomery was a passionate educator and school administrator. As leaders in the Fauquier community, both Reverend Montgomery and Joan paved the way as Black educators during public school integration. Reverend Montgomery legally challenged the unequal compensation of Black teachers by the school board and won.

Reverend Montgomery taught physical education and 6th grade education. He moved on to become Vice Principal of C.M. Bradley Elementary School where he taught and served for over 20 years.

After 33 years of marriage and the passing of his first wife, Joan Montgomery, in 1996, Reverend Montgomery remarried to Madelyn Jenkins Montgomery in 2005. Together, they led Mt. Moriah Baptist Church in fellowship and teaching of the Lord’s Word. Reverend Montgomery faithfully performed his duties as head pastor of Mt. Moriah Church from 2006 up until his recent passing.

In addition to his dedication to the church and teaching of the word, Reverend Montgomery continued his passion for the arts and was lead play writ for the Afro-American History Association. He produced several plays and musicals as a fundraiser for this organization that was near and dear to his heart.

Even as a head pastor, Reverend Montgomery continued his role in education as an adjunct professor at Longwood University. He was also a prominent member of the Catoctin Association, the central Atlantic conference of pastors who are called to work towards God’s mission here on earth. Reverend Montgomery also maintained an active role as music director at Mt. Zion Baptist Church and reaffirmed this dedication until his passing.

Reverend Montgomery is survived by his daughter, Phaedra Montgomery Paraison (Herman); two step-daughters: Tammy and Tensi Jenkins; two step-sons: William and Gregory Jenkins; grandchildren: (Alex and Lauren Paraison); siblings: Reverend Clara Montgomery Goode [Edward], Shasha Coleman, and Reverend Jimmy Lewis Montgomery [Lacheryl]).  He was preceded in death by his parents: John James and Annie Belle Lee Montgomery; brother, Chico Montgomery; his first wife, Joan Armstrong Montgomery and second wife, Madelyn Jenkins Montgomery.

His impact on the community through education and church leadership will last for generations.

The memorial service will be Saturday, September 17, 2022, at 11:00 am, at Faith Christian Church and International Outreach Center, 6472 Duhollow Road, Warrenton, VA, 20187.

In lieu of flowers, please send memorial donations to the following organizations: Afro-American History Society in Plains, Virginia, NAACP, American Cancer Society and Feed the Children.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Rev. Lemuel Adolphus Montgomery, please visit our floral store.