Obituary of Lillian Montague

Lillian Estelle Trent Montague departed this earthly life on April 22, 2016. Affectionately known to many as Aunt Biddy, Mama, Girlfriend, or Hat Lady, Lillian was born March 8, 1931, to the late Murray and Florence Dickerson Trent in Cumberland, VA. She was preceded in death by her brother; Phillip Trent, two sisters; Pansy Booker and Nancy M. Trent, three grandsons; Brandon Nyhaug, Leo (Monty) Wilson and Nicholas Montague. Lillian dedicated her life to Christ at an early age. She was a member of the Reed Rock Baptist Church in Amelia VA, where she was the mother of the Church and a Deaconess. She also regularly attended Chester Grove Baptist Church in Amelia, VA. She faithfully served in Missions Ministry, Choir, attended prayer service, Bible study, and Sunday school. She was a long-time member of the United Protective Baptist Association and Allied Bodies of Amelia, Nottoway, and Prince Edward, diligently serving on the Registration Committee. Her love for gospel music inspired her to organize "The Montague Family Singers" and by God's grace they recently celebrated 46 years of service. She willingly aided those in need in the community and surrounding areas portraying the true meaning of a missionary. Her famous pound cake was a welcomed gift by many whom she blessed on various occasions. In August 1948 Lillian was united in holy matrimony to the late Rev. Horace Montague of Amelia, VA. To this union four children were born. She was a loving wife and mother. She faithfully served with her husband as First Lady of the several churches he pastored. Lillian was a person with solid work ethics. She had many jobs which included domestic work, factory work, employment at West Cleaners, beautician, as well as a valued employee at Amelia County Public Schools as teacher's aide, bus driver, and food service worker for more than thirty years. She was also employed by Powhatan County Schools in the transportation and food service department for more than ten years. Lillian had a lot of wisdom and her personality amplified two old sayings "Nothing beats a failure but a try" and "If at first you don't succeed, try and try again". She was a motivator whose positive, outgoing determination aided in her successes and inspired others to succeed at reaching their goals. We were so proud of her and happy for her when she completed the necessary courses and received her High School Diploma in 2013. She loved to travel and was fortunate enough to have visited almost every place she wanted, including international travel. She didn't meet strangers. If you ever had a conversation with her, she was going to know you or make you know her before you parted. She had a huge collection of hats and was hardly ever seem not wearing one. She genuinely cared for everyone in her community and anyone she was acquainted with. Her love for her biological and church family was unconditional. She leaves to cherish her fond memories, four children: Nannie "Nan" Wilson (Leo) of Chesterfield, Frances Eugenia Montague of Amelia, Rev. Joyce Nyhaug (David) of Chesapeake, and Horace M. Montague (Patricia) of Rice; seven grandchildren, Cory Wilson (Erica) of Chesterfield, Carlotta Wade of Bowie, MD, Joshua Nyhaug, of Chesapeake, Justin Nyhaug of Norfolk, Darrell Ford of Newport News, Horace M. Montague, Jr., of Richmond, and Donte' Montague (Yolanda) of Staunton; three great grandsons; Karvell Ford, Ayden Wilson, and Jaxson Nyhaug. A God-Grandson; Justin Giles. One sister; Iola Bartee of Cumberland. One brother; Franklin Trent (Pauline) of Cumberland. Two sisters-in-law; Beulah Trent of Cumberland and Jessie Robinson (Aaron) of Richmond. Devoted cousins, she loved like her own children, Clarence and Shirley Carter of Amelia, VA. A host of nieces, nephews, and cousins whom she loved very dearly, a few of whom she had a special bond and constant interaction with; Catherine Johnson, Hazel Trent, Mary T. Allen, Sherilyn Booker, Ishima Thomas and Garland & Carolyn Montague. Special caring neighbors and friends: Tom Dickerson, Ralph Goodman, and Fidelis Okpebholo. She leaves many more loving and cherished friends. You didn't say I'm leaving. You didn't say goodbye. You were gone before we knew it and only God knows why. They say there is a reason, they say that time will heal. But neither time nor reason will change the way we feel. For no one knows the heartache that lies behind our smiles. We only wish you here with us to stay a longer while. If tears could build a stairway and memories a lane, We'd walk right up to heaven so we could be together again. In life we loved you dearly. In death we love you still. But, in our hearts we hold a place that only YOU can fill. Lovingly Submitted The Family