Jane Martin Montgomery

Jane Martin Powers Montgomery was born in Savannah, Tennessee on September 7, 1923, to the late James Henry and Roxie Ola Nowlin Martin. She moved to Milan, Tennessee at the age of two and lived a remarkable and full life. Her vibrant spirit and infectious smile brought joy into the lives of all who knew her. She had a thirst for knowledge and loved learning new things.
Ms. Jane lived a wonderful life and was blessed with God's graces throughout her life. She grew up with a determined independent mom who fought for women's suffrage and she followed lovingly in her footsteps as a determined intelligent lady, mom, and grandmother. She met L.L. Powers in high school. They were married in 1942 and welcomed their first son, Donald, in 1946. The family was blessed to call Milan home and were supported by close loving family in Gibson County. After L.L.'s early passing in 1953, she leaned on family and sought strength through God. She wanted to ensure Donald had a father and mother role in his life and tried her best to serve both roles for her young son. When a lady in town mentioned she was too young not to remarry, she said "there wasn't a man in town" she was interested in since "they are either already married" or she "wasn't interested". In her mid 30s, she met active duty U.S Army Senior Sergeant Raymond Montgomery at the VFW. He was stationed at the Milan Arsenal and their mutual friends at the VFW played "match maker". A romance developed and she continued her life's journey with their marriage in 1958. Their loving relationship took them to California where, on the trip there, she welcomed her 2nd son, Raymond Jr. in 1959 in Albuquerque, NM. Their journey continued to the Washington D.C. area for work and to continue raising their family. She retired from the US Government in 1990 after over 26 years of dedicated federal service. Her federal service started locally at the Milan Arsenal, followed by the Milan Post Office, and ultimately took her to Washington, DC. While in Washington, D.C., she served at several Defense contracting agencies with her career culminating as a Contract Specialist with the Federal Emergency Management Agency. After retirement, she returned to her childhood home in Milan to help care for her elderly mom and sister.
To know Ms. Jane was to appreciate and love her zest for life, determination, positive attitude, wonderful southern grace, and sense of humor. She loved learning new things and even at a senior age, she was interested in technology, enjoying her computer, iPad, and Apple watch. She enjoyed the thrill of her yellow Mustang when she was in her 40s but ultimately decided upon a more family-friendly sedan and she drove well into her 90s. She enjoyed international travel with friends, road trips, and local getaways. Even this past summer, she joined her family on a trip to Reelfoot Lake, enjoying a delicious lunch by the lake. Her hobbies included spending time with her close family and friends, playing solitaire on her iPad, cooking delicious meals, hosting family, and working in her garden enjoying her flowers and perennials. When her family came to visit, she was sure to have a list of things to do in her garden, new plants she wanted to buy and plant, and things that needed repair around the house! She made it a point to supervise the work being done to ensure it was done well!
Ms. Jane was a dedicated member of First Baptist Church in Milan, and a member of the Order of the Eastern Star. Even after she wasn't able to attend services in person, she listened to her pastor and music services each Sunday on her iPad. She was active with First Baptist Church for many years, and a member of the Charity Sunday School class and the Elizabeth Stone Garden Club. She lovingly embodied God's grace and patience, and followed the golden rule with everyone.
Ms. Jane's family and friends brought her the greatest joy. Ms. Jane is survived by two sons, Donald Powers and wife Maria of Williamsburg, VA and Raymond Montgomery, Jr. and wife Jennifer of Clifton, VA; and grandchildren, Kevin Powers of Falls Church, VA, Christopher Powers and wife Tatiana of Rockville, MD, Timothy Montgomery and wife Kelsey of Washington DC, Maggie Montgomery Webber and husband Patrick of Warrenton, VA, and Catherine Montgomery of Leesburg, VA; as well as a niece Margaret Martin of Dunedin, FL. She is also survived by a host of close friends, Sunday School class members, and extended family.
Besides her parents, Ms. Jane is preceded in death by her husbands, L.L. Powers (1953) and Raymond L. Montgomery (1985); brothers Ulysses Simpson Martin, James Milton Martin, William Henry "Billie" Martin; and a sister, Vergie Mae Martin. She was also preceded in death by her niece Helen Keaton.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions to Samaritan's Purse International Disaster Relief, a global relief organization. This will help continue her charitable giving with the church.