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For readers of a certain age – especially those who enjoyed nights on the town in Natchez in the 1990s, October has been a month of memories and losses.

The recent death of Miriam Montgomery brought fond tributes to the woman who was known for her zest for life and her passionate promotion of Natchez.

“Miriam Montgomery was a beautiful lady, through and through,” said Natchez Mayor Dan Gibson. “I first met her a number of years ago while playing the piano at Monmouth. She loved music, and we developed a friendship right away. When she celebrated her 90th birthday a few years ago, The Trovato Trio, consisting of the late Terry Trovato on drums, Bob Sizemore on bass, and me on keys got to play for her special party at Magnolia Bluffs. The ballroom was packed. We learned the old standard “Mack the Knife” just for her. And she outdanced everyone! Our prayers go to her sons and extended family and friends. She will be truly missed.”

Debbie Germany described her longtime friend as an icon. From her hometown of Fayette to her travels around the world, Mrs. Mongtomery charmed everyone she met.

“She was just always really smart,” Germany said. “And people fell in love with her because she gave them that Southern warmth and always told the best stories.”

Mrs. Montgomery also was a tireless promoter of Natchez. She was among the most highly rated tour guides in Natchez and never missed an opportunity to promote the town she loved and her husband, Charlie, called home. Active in dozens of organizations which worked to improve Natchez. Together they bought and restored the Prentiss Club – and its once-popular nightclub The Cellar – as well as a historic cottage on Cemetery Road. She was a key player in the creation and success of the Historic Natchez Collection in the 1980s and 1990s, and a member of several garden clubs and garden organizations.

“And she loved to dance,” said Germany as she recalled evenings spent enjoying dinner and conversation – and more than a little dancing with Mrs. Montgomery. “She lived 96 great years … and when I visited with her last, we talked about how would be with Charles and they’d be dancing together again.”

And for those among us who remember the days (and nights) of The Cellar’s heyday, there was a bittersweet irony in the recent death of Ronnie Cox, a legendary musician. A high school band director by day, Cox was known throughout the Miss-Lou as a phenomenal musician. He was often playing at Dimples, another Natchez nightclub from the late 1980s and 1990s, and at The Corner Bar. He played in several bands, including Blue Bayou Band, The Capris and the Boogie Kings, and even went on tour with Percy Sledge. Lisa Sanders, the advertising manager at The Democrat whose husband plays in a local band, said she remembers Ronnie as both talented and nice. “He used to call me up on the stage to sing with the band when they were playing,” she said. “He was a great musician.”

And, just like Miriam Montgomery, he was a terrific advocate for Natchez and the Miss-Lou.

Our lives – and our community – are certainly better for the joy and passion they both embodied.

Stacy Graning is publisher of The Democrat. Email her at stacy.graning@natchezdemocrat.