Obituaries – Their Stories Live On

Mrs. Frances Arlette Montgomery, 76, of Beckley, WV transitioned peacefully to eternal life at Genesis Healthcare (Pine Lodge) on Sunday, April 10, 2022 following an extended illness. She was the last survivor of her siblings.

Frances was born in Covington, VA on April 30, 1945 to the late William Robinson and Gladys Mae Penn Robinson Redman. During her earlier years, she resided in Cranberry, Skelton and Raleigh, WV prior to moving to Beckley. Ms. Montgomery was educated locally and was employed by many families as a domestic worker and caregiver. She was united in marriage in 1964 to Charles Edward Montgomery and to that union was born four daughters, Vickie, Paulette, Yolanda and Andrea..

Frances was an immaculate housekeeper and always had a meal on the stove. She was a very giving and free-hearted individual. Frances was a dedicated member of Heart of God Ministries and was regular in attendance until failing health prevented her from doing so. In the year 2000, Frances and her family experienced a terrific fire that destroyed their home forcing them to reestablish themselves from humble beginnings. She often spoke of the devastating experience and how the Beckley community and surrounding areas reached out to assist her family in “starting over.” That was a memory that really affected her emotionally.

Frances was preceded in death by her husband, Charles Edward Montgomery; parents, William and Gladys (Ms. Whickey); sisters, Joann Davis, Mary Virginia Smith and Eula Clarice (Deedie); brothers, William Robinson, Jr., Charles Raymond Robinson and Sherman Beasley.

Frances leaves to cherish her memories her daughters; Vickie (Keith) Wooten and their daughter, Maria and great-grandsons, Emmanuel Keith and Eden of Beckley; Paulette Montgomery of Fayetteville, NC and her son, Michael of Michigan; Yolanda (Bajru) DeShields and their daughters, Breanna, Mya and Layla of Jacksonville, NC; and, Andrea Montgomery of Beckley; two aunts; three uncles and a host of nephews, nieces, cousins and friends.

Funeral service will be 12:00PM Friday, April 15, 2022 at Heart of God Ministries 1703 S. Kanawha St. Beckley with Bishop Fred T. Simms officiating. Burial will follow in Greenwood Memorial Park, Beckley.

Friends, while wearing masks and observing social distancing, may view and visit with the family one hour prior to the service.

Email condolences to ritchiejohnsonfuneralparlor@gmail.com.

Arrangements entrusted to Ritchie & Johnson Funeral Parlor, Beckley.