MONTGOMERY, JOSEPH (AGE 89) OF NANJEMOY, MD

Joseph "Joe" Montgomery, was born January 23, 1925 to the late William and the late Laura Montgomery. On Wednesday, January 21, 2015, he peacefully transitioned into eternal life at INOVA Fairfax Hospital, Fairfax, VA.

Joseph was educated in the Charles County school system. At a young age, he enlisted in the United States Navy where his qualification and certificate held was cooking. He was also trained in auto mechanic and barbering. After completing his service to our country, Joseph received an Honorable Discharge. He was an entrepreneur and supported his family as a brick layer/masonry.

Joseph met and married the love of his life, the late Blanche Mary Montgomery and from this union ten children were born, four sons and six daughters. Joseph was proud of his family. In addition to raising his own children, Joseph and his late wife Blanche also raised four grandchildren (Sean Short, William Proctor, Jr., "Lisa" Viola Proctor and Farrah Proctor–Darbo). His family had the most influence in his life. At every opportunity he poured words of wisdom into them such as; "take care of yourselves, try to make something out of yourself, always be there for your kids, don't put all your eggs in one basket and learn as much as you can." He was a strong willed, loyal, caring, protective and a heroic individual with strong family values and creative and artistic abilities. Joseph lived a good life with integrity and character. He stood up for what he thought was right. He was passionate about African American History, expressing his own free will and living to see the first Black President. He was also very proud of his children and grandchildren and was blessed to see them grow up and do well. Joseph was the protector of his family. He always stood his ground willing to protect and secure his environment.

The things Joseph enjoyed most were spending time with family, especially at Thanksgiving, Christmas, birthday events and cookouts. Another favorite was having family and friends around to reminisce with. He had many interest including gardening, working in his yard or on his home. He also enjoyed hunting, fishing and cooking. He was famous around the neighborhood for his turtle soup, sausage, stuffing and homemade wine. In later years, Joseph enjoyed driving with Felix to the Dollar Store in La Plata and joking and socializing with friends. When thinking of Joseph, family and friends will remember him fondly, not only for all the memories he left them and the stories he shared of his adventures as he traveled the seas through many countries, but also for the love he had for wearing his Kangaroo hat!

In addition to his parents and wife, Blanche, Joseph is also preceded in death by his, son, Max, sisters; Mary Hart, Sarah Johnson, Estelle Montgomery, Nannie Datcher, Ethel Franklin, Nellie Montgomery and Rosie Rollins, grandchildren; Spencer Washington and Antoine Proctor, brother; Grant Cunningham. Grandparents; William and Rosie Montgomery, Peter Cunningham and Sarah Brown-Cunningham; Father-in-law, William Warren and Mother-in-law, Mary Carroll.

Left to cherish precious memories, sons; Joseph, Niel and Rocky Montgomery, daughters; Vivian Montgomery, Sarah Harrison (Eugene), Laura Proctor (Alfred), Viola Djeddour (Omar), Blanche Washington (Jerrold) and Victoria Johnson (Wallace), 28 grandchildren, 50 great grandchildren, brother; Ezekiel Montgomery, sisters; Laura Williams and Maggie Keys and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

His viewing will be held from 9am until time of service 11am on Saturday, January 31st in the Chapel of Thornton Funeral Home, P.A., 3439 Livingston Road, Indian Head, MD 20640. The interment will be held at 10:15am on Friday, February 6, 2015 in the Maryland Veterans Cemetery, Cheltenham, MD.