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Oct. 8, 1928 – Oct. 17, 2024

NATCHEZ – Miriam Marron Montgomery came into this world on Oct. 8, 1928, with a zest for life that most of
us can only dream about, and she left this world with her adored family by her side on Thursday morning, Oct. 17, 2024.

Visitation will be held from 1 until 2 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 25, 2024, at First Presbyterian Church.

Services will be held at 2 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 25, 2024, at First Presbyterian Church with Rev. Joan Gandy officiating.

Burial will follow at Natchez City Cemetery under the direction of Laird Funeral Home.

Miriam was the only child of Claude and Lulu Lee Marron. She grew up in Fayette, MS, and attended the University of Mississippi with every intention of becoming a doctor.

These plans were all changed when Miriam decided to marry her high school sweetheart Charles “Charlie” Montgomery, also of Fayette, in August 1950. Miriam and Charlie raised their three sons in Fayette and worked in their family grocery store and other businesses together.

After their sons left home, Miriam and Charlie moved to Natchez, along with Charlie’s sister, Helen Spencer, and helped to save The Prentiss Club and then restore it. They built a bar in the basement called The Cellar, and each evening before opening time, Charlie, Miriam, Helen, and Steve would have a cocktail together and play “In The Mood” to begin the evening!

Miriam and Charlie bought a lot on Cemetery Road overlooking the Mississippi River, which was so overgrown they had no idea there was a cottage on it. When they applied to the Preservation Board for demolition of the cottage, it was denied, and Miriam and Charlie restored a beautiful cottage. Miriam loved The Historic Natchez Foundation and worked very hard as a member of The Henredon Furniture Collection, which recreated original Natchez antiques to be sold to the public.

Miriam was an active member of The Pilgrimage Garden Club. She became a tour guide with Natchez Pilgrimage Tours, and when Tauck Tours came to town, they rated their guides. Only three were considered as top guides, with Miriam being number one. She always wore dresses and high heels, usually with a beautiful belt to complement her style. Miriam was also a member of Garden Lovers of Natchez, and a member of The Garden Club of America. Miriam adored the Garden Lovers and was always happy to tour out-of-town members and help with any projects. Once again, she was the club’s top guide and Visiting Garden Chairman for several years. She was also selected to be Awards Chairman over the entire Zone IX, which consists of 20 clubs in the South. Being in this position, she went to zone and national club meetings across the country, made new friends, and told them about Natchez. She never met a stranger.

Miriam hosted her 90th birthday party in Natchez for all of her friends. She made her own guest list and threw quite a bash, dancing until early morning in her high heels and wearing a stunning cocktail dress. Miriam was always an ambassador for Natchez, a truly loyal friend, a beautiful soul, and will be greatly missed by all of Natchez.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Claude Leo Marron and Lula Lee Lehmann Marron; and her husband, Charles Norris Montgomery, Jr.

Survivors include her three sons, Keith Norris Montgomery, Sr. and wife, Janet Montgomery of Hattiesburg, MS, Ritchie Marron Montgomery of Natchez, and Charles Kirk Montgomery and wife, Jackie of New Orleans; three grandchildren, Keith Norris Montgomery, Jr., Mason Scott Montgomery, and Brenton Bishop Montgomery; four step grandchildren, Lauren Fincher, Lindsey Morgan, David Boh, and Stephen Boh; six great-granddaughters; two great-grandsons; one step great-granddaughter; and one step great-grandson.

Pallbearers will be Keith Montgomery, Jr., Mason Montgomery, Brenton Montgomery, David Boh, Stephen Boh, and Brad Fondren.

Memorials may be made to First Presbyterian Church 117 South Pearl Street Natchez, MS 39120.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at lairdfh.com.