Montgomery, Mary Blackshear

Mary Blackshear Montgomery, 82, of Blacksburg, Va., died on Tuesday, July 16, 2013. Wife, Mother, Educator, Artist-Mrs. Montgomery was born in Watertown, Tenn., the daughter of the late Jesse and Arnelle Blackshear. She was preceded in death by her sister, Martha Simpson and brother-in-law, John Simpson, of Knoxville, Tenn.

She is survived by her husband, James R. Montgomery. Mary graduated from Maryville College and received a masters degree from The University of Tennessee, Knoxville. Mary and Jim initially lived in Knoxville, Tenn., where she taught elementary school. In Knoxville, she belonged to the Akima Club and took an active part in the development of the Knoxville Children’s Museum. After moving to Blacksburg, Va., Mary continued to teach first grade, a great love of hers. She also served as assistant principal when Harding Avenue Elementary School opened. Mary was an active member in Blacksburg United Methodist Church, Circle 5 of that church, Pairs & Spares Sunday School Class, Virginia Tech Faculty Women’s Club, Blacksburg Regional Art Association, Mountain View Garden Club, Harts, and T.N.T. Book Club. After retirement from the schools and with the children grown, she turned to watercolor painting. Mary showed her paintings in numerous exhibits, and many are found in homes in the Blacksburg area. Other survivors include her son, Charles T. Montgomery and daughter-in-law, Catherine, of Richmond, Va.; son, James B. Montgomery and daughter-in-law, Diane, of Radford, Va.; and daughter, April D. Montgomery and son-in-law, Kelvin Verity, of Norwood, Colo. She is survived by five grandchildren, T.J. Montgomery and wife, Kati, Meagan Montgomery, Ivy Montgomery, Suzannah Montgomery, and M. John Montgomery; and one great-grandchild, Sadi Montgomery. A Memorial Service will be held at 3 p.m. on Sunday, July 21, 2013, at Blacksburg United Methodist Church. The family will receive friends in a reception at the church immediately following the memorial service. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to Blacksburg United Methodist Church. Arrangements by McCoy Funeral Home, Blacksburg, Va., 540-552-3211.