Norman S. “Poppy” Montgomery, Sr., 93, was called home March 2nd, 2023 at his Columbus home with his family by his side.
Norman was born April 20th, 1929 in Saltville, VA to George Sr. and Gladys Montgomery just before the Great Depression. The eldest of eight children, Norman -known to his parents and siblings as “Sonny”- grew up on a farm in rural Virginia. Norman was a military veteran who did two tours including active combat in the Korean War. His experience lead him to stress the importance of obtaining a great education to his family, often repeating the mantra that “a mind is a terrible thing to waste.” Norman retired from the US Post Office after 30 years of service.
Married to his “Darlin’ Love” Martha for 70 years, Norman was a devoted family man -a great husband and provider- took great pride in caring for and having an active part of his family’s life and had a special knack for creating nicknames for his daughters and granddaughters.
Being a member of Higher Ground Always Abounding Assemblies for 45 years, Norman was a man of faith who spread the gospel of Christ to his family and friends.
One of his favorite books of the bible was Proverbs, embodying the scripture “Life and death are in the power of the tongue.” He would often speak life and blessings over himself and others- and not of his physical afflictions or circumstances.
Norman is preceded in death by parents, George Sr and Gladys Montgomery; siblings, Betty, Joyce, Loretta, George Jr., and Homer; and children, Norman Jr, Debra “Lil Chicken” Staten, and Brian.
Norman is survived by his wife, Martha; children, Robert, Kenneth, Janis “Brownie” Francisco, and Candace “Lil Stuff” (Charles); grandchildren, Charla “Sweetner”, Craig (Tremendous), Courtney “Heart Love”, Christiane “Sweetie Sugar” (Edward), Kalom “Kalom Boy” (Juanita), and Leah “Lil Lee Lee” (Brian); 12 great grandchildren; siblings, Geraldine Keyes and Clark Montgomery; and his favorite niece, Lesley
“Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people. God Himself will be with them and be their God. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.”
Revelation 21:3-4 NKJV
Until we meet again, well done Poppy.