Margaret Anne Riley Montgomery

Margaret Anne Riley Montgomery passed away peacefully on the evening of September 15, 2021, at her home in Canton, Mississippi, surrounded by loved ones.  Margaret was 76 years old. 

With her husband of 55 years, Margaret loved and nurtured her family that includes four daughters, four sons-in-law, twelve grandchildren, and two aging golden retrievers.

Margaret graduated from Provine High School in 1962.  She attended Millsaps college for two years, and then transferred to the University of Mississippi.  There, she majored in English and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts.

Margaret was an avid reader and appreciated well-written stories.  She loved flowers, antiques, and hosting friends and family in her home.  Margaret’s warmth, kindness, and encouragement to others was evident to every person she met.  She had such a positive outlook on life, and her faith in God not only sustained her but others around her. 

She loved gathering her family together for meals, beach trips, and birthday celebrations.  She enjoyed travel with friends and overnight visits with out-of-town grandchildren.  She cherished the beautiful friendships formed through Bible studies, book clubs, and yoga classes.   Margaret connected deeply with each daughter, son-in-law, and grandchild, and each one feels uniquely loved and appreciated by Margaret.

Margaret is preceded in death by her parents, Dr. Martin Luther Riley and Clara Conn Riley of Jackson, Mississippi.  She is survived by her husband, C.R. “Bob” Montgomery of Canton, Mississippi; four daughters, Kathleen Mitchell (Mack) of Jackson, Mississippi; Meg Fuller (Brian) of Birmingham, Alabama; Sarah Largen (Tim) of Madison, Mississippi; and Polly Haley (Jason) of Dallas, Texas; her twelve grandchildren, Mary Margaret Mitchell, Mont Mitchell, Elizabeth Mitchell, Rob Fuller, Clara Fuller, Lewis Fuller, Henry Largen, Ruthie Largen, Max Largen, William Haley, Charlie Haley, and Maggie Haley; and her two sisters, Martina McRae (Ed) of Simi Valley, California and Connie Burns (Pat) of Natchez, Mississippi. 

Margaret’s entire family is grateful for the medical teams that cared for her at Jackson Oncology in Jackson, Mississippi, and MD Anderson in Houston, Texas.    

There will be a service celebrating Margaret’s life on Saturday, October 2, at 11:00 a.m. at the First Presbyterian Church, 202 East Peace Street, Canton, Mississippi.  To honor Margaret, please consider contributing to the First Presbyterian Church of Canton or the First Methodist Church in Canton. 

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