To mama, from my first breath, step, talk and walk, you have always been there. It has been a beautiful journey with you being your firstborn; I’ll cherish the memories of us each and every day I got to call you mama. You taught me how to love and to be loved. I witnessed your kindness, patience, and forgiveness for everyone you touched. Your heart was loving and will go unmatched mama; you gave me the strength to continue my life journey without you. I am forever grateful to call you my Queen. During your time here, you gave me the opportunity to show you the strength you instilled in me until we hugged, kissed, and smiled together again; I’ll always love you! ~Stefanie Since birth you’ve been with me, every step of my life. Whenever I needed something you’ve always gave me the best advice. Memories we’ve shared none other will ever compare. You aren’t just my grandma, you are my best friend. Your heart was made of gold and tough love. I know that they are already having a ball with you up above. Although the time has come were you’re not physically here, for the days to come your spirit will never disappear. Grandma, I love you deep. Until we meet again, thank you for everything. ~ Ashlyn De’nae With every breath like it’s the last with every blink, like a freeze frame of a precious moment. With every touch to capture how we once were human. We are destined to be something much more. From the bottom of my heart to the depths of my soul I am truly happy, we all, are truly happy to have been loaned a soul so pure. Bringing sustenance and warmth to my life. You were a life whisperer and spiritual gate keeper whom, shepherd, me through various stages. I am blessed to have your blood, spirit and contents of your character embedded in my body soul, and mind. I haven’t lost anyone. I’ve gained an angel. I love you beyond comprehension. You left foot prints on my heart. -Jameria “Love Never Dies” Our dearest sister, being our eldest we cherish every God given moments of this earthly life we spent with one another. We must say it’s really gonna be different without you, your laughter will echo in our ears your beautiful smile shall transcend upon ours faces but most of all things, your spirit like all our love ones that have parted this earthly being shall enlighten our living bodies if we only believe “That Faith is the substance of things hope for the evidence of things not seen”. “To God we will give the glory “through our Lord and Savior’s Jesus Christ. Amen -From your siblings.
~ Acknowledgements ~
We, the Family of Robbie Lee Montgomery, would like to express our most profound appreciation for all your prayers, visits, phone calls, cards, food, and flowers during mama’s transition to Glory. ~The Family
~ Honorary Pallbearers ~ The Brothers
~ Active Pallbearers ~ Colangelo Swearengen, Sr. Odis Williams, III Marqus Cowan Gregory Cowan Jermaine Cowan Ken Thomas, Jr.
~ Interment & Committal Rites ~ Tuesday, January 10, 2023 • 10:00 A.M. West Tennessee Veterans Cemetery 4000 Forest Hill Irene Road Memphis, Tennessee 38125
Distinctive Services by
View Funeral Programs, DVD Tributes & More Through Your Mobile Device
3320 Millbranch Rd. Memphis, Tennessee 38116 901-452-7331 www.harrisonsfuneralhomeinc.com “There’s No Comparison To HARRISON” HARRISON” ~Since 1923~
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A
Life’s Reflections
time to be born Robbie Lee Schaeffer was born August 13, 1944, to the late Thelma Lee Avery and Robert Schaeffer, Sr. She was raised at 1406 Austin Street by her maternal and paternal grandparents, Buford and Delia Avery. She was the eldest grandchild. As a child, Robbie confessed her life to Christ on June 7, 1959, under the leadership of Reverend Noel C. Taylor. As a young adult, she was a member of Springdale Baptist Church under the Pastorate of Reverend C. W. Grafton. Her journey continued at Middle Baptist Church under the leadership of Reverend Lester Basken and current Pastor Reverend Elartrice Ingram, Jr. Robbie was a faithful member of the choir and Sunday class number 20. She was a graduate of Booker T. Washington High School, and she attended Lemoyne Owen College. She worked and retired from Sears Robuck and Company. Robbie was married to Joe Nathan Branch, who preceded her in death. To this union, Stefanie was born. Robbie’s second marriage to Milton Montgomery, Jr., who precedes her in death to this union Amy was born.
A time to die: In the comfort of her home, she transitioned from this life
to eternity on December 23, 2022. She leaves to cherish her memory two daughters, Stefanie Branch and Amy Montgomery; two granddaughters, Ashlyn Housley and Jameria Derring; two aunts, Ella Malone and Catherine Swearengen; four sisters, Gwendolyn Flowers, Tangia Cowan, Thelma Louise Cowan, Lisa Jenkins (Roy). One sister precedes her in death, Jennifer Carter. Four brothers Joshua Cowan. Jr. James Cowan, Reverend Kenneth Cowan (Marlan), and Anthony Cowan. A host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and a special friend.
Order of Celebration Saturday, January 7, 2022 11:00 A.M.
Middle Baptist Church - Whitehaven 801 Whitehaven Lane Memphis, Tennessee 38116
Reverend Elartrice Ingram, Jr., Officiating
Prelude Processional..................................................Clergy, Pallbearers & Family Scripture Readings: Old Testament............................................Reverend Daniel Martin New Testament...............................................Reverend Willie Lewis Prayer of Comfort.....................................................Reverend Butler Lewis Musical Selection..................................................................Shirley Redden
Reflections of Love
(Respectfully, Three Minutes Please)
Friend - Marilyn Coburn Neighbor - Jerlena Gordon
Resolution..................................................................Reverend Leroy Davis Musical Selection..............................................Reverend Bryant Swerengen Eulogy..........................................................Reverend Elartrice Ingram, Jr. Recessional ~Remains will not be viewed after Eulogy~
Dear Mama Life doesn’t come with a manual it comes with a mother. Mama, you taught me things in life and about life that made me the woman I am today. The truth is that no matter how old we are, we still have a mama that will always be there no matter what, and you were that. You were my biggest cheerleader when I played basketball from 7th-12th grade, never missing a game. Mama, you stepped in again as my cheerleader for helping me raise your granddaughter, Ashlyn. Now, the other part of my heart is gone. My Mama, My Rock, My Anchor, now My Guardian Angel. Thank you, God, for such a beautiful Mom. ~Amy