CORNELL WILDE MONTGOMERY

Today, we have gathered together to celebrate the life of a great and honorable man. Cornell Montgomery was a beloved husband, a cherished father, an amazing brother, and a wonderful friend. His life was one that showed a prime example of perseverance, endurance, hard work, and determination. Everyone who knew him, can attest to the fact that he was a God-fearing man, who put the Lord first in all things, and we can rest in the knowledge that when he breathed his last breath, the Lord was there to meet him and tell him, ‘Well done, my good and faithful servant.’ And welcomed him home.

Cornell was born to Thaddeus James Montgomery II and Rosie Lee Montgomery on July 22nd, 1959, at Los Angeles General Hospital. He was the third born of 9 children, 8 boys and 1 girl. He attended 112th St Elementary School in his early life and went on to go to Gompers Jr High, as well as Jordan High School in Watts, before graduating from Palmdale High School, where he received his diploma. It was during these years that he developed an interest in automotive and mechanics and enrolled in Pacoima Skills Center where he studied Maintenance and Mechanics.

Cornell enlisted in the United States Army in 1979 for Mechanical Engineering and soon after welcomed his first child on July 5th, 1979. Cornell had his second daughter on May 6th, 1982, followed by his third on May 4th, 1985, with his ex-wife Cynthia Johnson. He was an amazing father and did everything he had to, to make sure his children were taken care of.

Although he went to school for mechanics, Cornell truly was a jack of all trades. He had many skills, some of which were carpentry, being an electrician, part-time gardener, mechanic, room designer and builder, upholsterer, could work a sewing machine, did hair, designed, drew and built whatever came to his mind, and much more. There was nothing he couldn’t do when he decided he wanted to do it.

One thing Cornell loved to do was sing. He always had a mic handy and enjoyed passing it around to anyone who would take it. He enjoyed going to Karaoke and often would go to Medranos, a local karaoke spot, to sing. It was here that he met his wife, Marilyn Montgomery. On March 18th, 2005, the most beautiful, amazing love story was born, and Cornell met and fell in love with his soulmate. His love for his wife was evident and everyone who had the honor to be around them and witness their love story could see how much they loved each other.

In gaining Marilyn as his helpmate, he also gained two more people in his life that in his heart became his too. Vernon Hill and Raynard Hereford filled a void in Cornell that no one else could. He’d always wanted a son and now he had two. The many days and nights filled with talks, laughs, lessons and love were a testament to how much he loved and appreciated the two of them.

Cornell’s life was full of stories and lessons he taught, on how to keep going, to love and love hard, to always have a plan, and a backup plan, and to love God and know him for yourself. He had wisdom and gave it when needed, even when you didn’t want to hear it. Cornell was a bright light, and we celebrate the man that he was and the lasting effect he left on every life he came in contact with. Whether he was a husband, father, brother, uncle or friend, Cornell was a man who left an impact.

He is proceed in death by his father, Thaddeus James Montgomery II, his mother, Rosie Lee Montgomery, his brother, Everett James Montgomery. His children, Cornell Jr, and Chanell Montgomery. His mother-in-law, Francis Stuart. His son, Vernon Hill. His sister, Valencia Montgomery, his nephew Micah Montgomery, his daughter, Jessica McGee, his granddaughter, Camylle Ey’Vonne Milton, his brother Thaddeus James Montgomery III, and his great-nephew, Isiah Lemon.

He is survived by his loving wife, Marilyn Montgomery, his children, Chéntéllé Montgomery, Chevelle Montgomery, Cassie Whitney (Paul), Leroy Whitney, Charnell Montgomery,(Sharee), and Raynard Hereford. As well as Antonio, Kenyetta, and Jo-Ann McGee. His brothers, Gerald Montgomery, (Gwyen), Barry Montgomery, (Darlene), Travis Montgomery, (Patricia), Tyrone Montgomery, (Rose), and Aaron Montogomery. His tribe of grandchildren, Darian Jr. Neveah and Lyric Hill, London Hill. Anthony, Matthew, Cyrus, Joshua and Samuel King. Shakira Whitney, Kolda Jones, Nelliana Jones. Aniya Montgomery, Mykal and Trinity Milton. Maurice, Ashanti, Kaliyah Wright, Raynard Jr, Denzel, Delilah, Zamari, Khalil, and Khaloni Hereford. Lakiyalyn and Ateria Thomas, and a host of nieces and nephews, cousins, extended family and friends.

Cornell you were and always will be and wonderful man and will be missed, but we know he is sitting at the right hand of the father. He is in pain no more and no longer has to deal with the trials and tribulations of life. He is at peace and has to study war no more. Well done, Cornell. Until we see you again.