Evelyn “Lavile” Montgomery was carried out of this life by the arms of Jesus on Sunday, May 28, 2023. She had been surrounded by her 3 daughters and their families for days, along with the loving caregivers at the House of 3 in Searcy where she resided.
Lavile was born on April 24, 1932, in Star City, Arkansas. She was one of 4 siblings and later, 3 half-siblings. Her parents were John Washington Toliver Zachary, Jr. & Myrtis Raley Baggett. Lavile graduated from Star City High School in 1952. After graduation, she married the love of her life, Jesse “Troy” Montgomery, on June 21, 1955. They lived in Fayetteville, Arkansas, where Troy attended & graduated from the U of A in 1961. Most of their married life was spent in Newport, Arkansas where they were active members of First Baptist Church. They both loved their church family. Lavile served as a Sunday School & VBS teacher for 46 years and then transitioned to Women’s & Prison Ministry with her lifelong Christian sister, Mrs. Christine Gates. Lavile ran the race and kept unwavering faith. She was greeted in heaven with the beautiful words from her Savior, “Well done, my good and faithful servant”.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Troy, and 2 brothers Alton and Halton Zachary. She is survived by her 3 daughters: Sherry Churchman (Bob) of Searcy, Patricia Daniel (Michael) of Carlisle, and Chris Wilson (Stephen) of Newport; 7 grandchildren: Ashley Churchman, Kathryn Riley, Jonathon Daniel (Brittany), Chelsea Daniel Phillips (Jon), Emily Daniel, Brittany Wilson Glidewell (Andy), Paige Wilson Owen (Logan); 11 great-grandchildren: Jimmie & Alex Churchman, Sara Beth, Nathan Troy & Hannah Kate Riley; Carson Bryant, Maverick Daniel, Gracyn & Lincoln Phillips; Wilson & Jameson Roy Glidewell; one sister, Lois Zachary Ratteree of Star City; two half-sisters, Martha Taylor of Star City, and Jo Baggett Segars of Pine Bluff; and one half-brother, Charley Baggett of Star City.
The family will always treasure the loving care their precious “Nana” received at Harding Place for 6 years & for the wonderful caregivers & loved ones, Nickie, Kelly, Amber, Mark & Brenda at the House of 3, in Lavile’s final year on this Earth.
Her life celebration will be Thursday, June 1, 2023, at Jackson’s Funeral Home in Newport. Visitation will begin at 10, followed by the service at 11.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Samaritan’s Purse International to carry out Lavile’s legacy of sharing the love & salvation power of her Lord, Jesus Christ.
