Carolyn Joan (Welborn) Montgomery was born in Bloomfield, Missouri on January 29, 1933 to Raymond Welborn and Myrtle (Lemley) Welborn. The youngest of six children, she grew up on a small farm with her siblings Rex, Wayne Olin, Polly, Patty, and Betty. At age 15, Carolyn met the love of her life, Breman Lafayette Montgomery. Breman asked Carolyn to help set him up on a date with a mutual friend, to which she precariously replied “no, but I’ll go out with you.” They went to the local soda shop and began a relationship that would span the next 64 years. Carolyn and Breman married in Piggott, Arkansas in 1949 and moved to Dexter, Missouri that same year. Together, they welcomed and raised three children, Gayle Joyce, Steven Randall “Randy”, and Stanley Keith. Carolyn spoke fondly of those early years, sharing how she loved to dote on her children and playfully tease her beloved husband. Carolyn worked many jobs, including at a hat factory, to help support her family. She yearned for more professionally and joined Gayle as a freshman at Southeast Missouri State University in 1968. She went on to earn a Bachelors Degree in Science Education and a Masters Degree in Education, finishing at the top of her class. She spent nearly thirty years teaching in Dexter Public Schools, where she fulfilled her passion of educating and investing in Dexter’s children. After her retirement in 1994, Carolyn loved seeing her former students and fellow teachers around town.
Carolyn and Breman purchased their dream home in Glenwood Hills Estates in 1982. Carolyn enjoyed listening to music and gardening, for which she was honored to win Dexter’s Yard of the Month several times. The Montgomery home was a lively and joyful space, filled with family, friends, food, and the artwork of her beloved sister, Betty, and daughter, Gayle. In her retirement, Carolyn loved taking trips with Breman and their friends, wintering in Florida, putting on skits with her sisters at Welborn Family Reunions in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, and spending time with her grandchildren, especially taking walks in the rain.
Carolyn Montgomery passed away peacefully at Cypress Point in Dexter on Wednesday, March 9th. She is predeceased in death by her parents and siblings; husband, Breman; son, Randy; and great-grandson, Albert Breman. She is survived by her children, Gayle and Stan; grandchildren, Seth, Stephen, Alison, Alex, Melanie, Erich, Andreas, and Laura; and numerous great-children. A special thanks is extended to her niece, Judy Nea, and her sitter, Berneda Hendley, who both spent many hours caring for Carolyn.
At her request there will be no memorial service. If anyone wishes to make a donation on her behalf, please donate to the Parkinson's Foundation or your charity of choice.
Mathis Funeral Home in Dexter is assisting with arrangements.
