Mrs. Althea P. Montgomery was born in Birmingham 88 years ago. She attended elementary school at Patterson Elementary School in Woodlawn and Parker High School. At the age of 14 years, she attended Spelman College (Atlanta, Georgia) where she obtained her BA degree. She then pursued her Master's Degree in English at the University of Southern California in Los Angeles.
Mrs. Montgomery returned to her alma mater of Parker High School, where she began teaching English. Known for her quick wit and energetic teaching style, she worked successfully with Mrs. Dessie Ray as an instructor of oratorical speakers for the Birmingham News Oratorical Contest. She also coached students who entered national essay contests, where they successfully represented Parker High School. She later returned to Birmingham after a year's leave of absence and was placed at Ullman High School where she continued to work successfully with the students who participated in the Birmingham News Oratorical Contest.
At the request of Carroll B. Hayes, Supervisor of Black Schools, she reviewed several well-known books and authored articles later chosen by the Birmingham News to be published in their newspaper.
Mrs. Montgomery was a world traveler who visited many varied locales with her family and close friends. Some of these locales included England, Holland (Amsterdam and Rotterdam), Belgium, Austria, Switzerland, Germany, Lichenstein, Italy, France, Japan, Hong Kong and Russia.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Dr. James T. Montgomery, her parents, Gaston and Versie Palmer and her special grandparents, Presiding Elder James and Mary Thompkins.
She is survived by two sons, Attorney James T. Montgomery, Jr. (of Falls Church, Virginia) and Dr. Rian L. Montgomery (of Birmingham); three daughters, Mrs. Aundree' Montgomery, Mrs. Valerie Montgomery and Ms. Ginger Montgomery; granddaughters, Mrs. Joinne' (Emmanuel) Chandler and Miss Lacey Ruff; three grandsons, Mr. Michael Montgomery, Mr. Jared Montgomery and Mr. Bryce Montgomery; two sisters, Mrs. Lois Reed and Mrs. Grace Montgomery; one brother, Mrs. Charles Montgomery and many nieces, nephews and cousins.
Funeral services will be at 11:00 A.M. April 18, 2015 at St. John A.M.E. Church, the church in which she married her husband and served in several positions including choir member, Sunday School teacher, Steward, and Steward Emeritus until the time of her death.
In lieu of flowers, the family request donations be made to the Alzheimer's Foundation of America @http://www.alzfdn.org/.
Smith & Gaston Southside directing.