Elizabeth Ann Montgomery

Elizabeth Ann Montgomery (Foster)

November 2, 1951 – September 20, 2017

 

Elizabeth Montgomery, affectionately known by family and friends as “Cookie”, passed away peacefully in her home in Princeton, WV on September 20, 2017. She was 65 years old.  Elizabeth Ann Foster was born November 2, 1951 in Welch and the oldest child of the late Benjamin Edward and Mary Liza (Gooch) Foster Sr.  She grew up in Eckman, WV and attended Northfork High School where she played the saxophone.  She graduated in 1969 and pursued a nursing career at Bluefield State College.  During this time, she also became engaged to James Edward Montgomery Sr. of Welch, WV.  The couple wed on December 19, 1970.  Elizabeth earned an Associate of Science in Nursing in 1971.  She became a professional registered nurse in 1974 and maintained her license throughout her lifetime.  During her nursing career, Elizabeth was employed at various hospitals in McDowell and Mercer counties, as well as several state-operated home health agencies.

Elizabeth accepted Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior in her early twenties, and her relationship with God was at the forefront of her life choices. At the time of her passing Elizabeth had been a member of Cornerstone Family Church in Princeton for approximately 15 years, and she was passionate about the church, its mission and spreading God’s love to everyone. 

Elizabeth was a fun, positive person who lived in God’s light. Her beautiful smile lit up the room wherever she went.  A consummate optimist, she chose to see the good in people and encouraged others to do the same.  She believed and encouraged others to believe that ALL things are possible with God.  One of her favorite sayings was, “Can’t never could, “which she explained meant worthwhile pursuits require effort and belief in one’s own ability.   Prior to her illness, Elizabeth would often be found volunteering at Planet Xtreme, the local teen center ran by Cornerstone, or exercising and socializing at the local fitness center or one of the local pools.  Elizabeth enjoyed engaging with people, particularly the youth, and loved to encourage and listen to them.  Elizabeth had an adventurous spirit and spent many summers with her grandkids going camping, swimming or pursuing other fun activities.  Elizabeth loved music and all activities related to the arts.  She was a lifelong learner who enjoyed reading and discovering new things.  She also was an avid college football fan, and placed no team above her beloved Virginia Tech Hokies, the team for which her youngest son played.

In addition to her parents, Elizabeth was preceded in death by her parent-in-laws, Dark Hunter and Dorothy Montgomery; her brother-in-law, Reverend Andrew Montgomery; and several aunts and uncles. Elizabeth will be lovingly remembered by her co-parent and friend, Minister James Edward Montgomery Sr. of Welch; two daughters, Cynthia (Gregory) Montgomery Jones of Baltimore, MD, and Jacqueline (Kajuan) Montgomery Spann of Daytona, FL;  two sons, James (Davette) Edward Montgomery Jr. of the home, and Isaac Stephen Montgomery of Los Angeles, CA; her brother, Benjamin (Pamela) Edward Foster Jr. of Princeton; her sister-in-law, Patricia Montgomery of Welch; eight grandchildren: Kamauree, Janoah, Ishmael, Gregory, Jakai, Dysen, Isobel and Nyla; five nieces: Lakisha (Bernard) Grant, Crystal (Edward) Moorish, Alexis (Curtis) Harris, Adrianne Montgomery, and Alicia (Howard) Joyce-Weaver; four nephews: Benjamin (Erica) Foster III, Aaron Foster, Andrew (Tracey) Montgomery, and Edwin (Latreva) Montgomery; a special sister, Louvenia Dodson; lifelong friends Cathy Hill, Linda “Rovenna” Johnson, and Pamela Morris; a host of cousins, and her dog, Luke.