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Deacon Leodis Morris Montgomery, Sr., 77, of Missouri City, Texas, passed away peacefully at his home on April 27, 2025. Born on November 20, 1947, in Arkansas, Leodis was the beloved son of the late Cleophus Montgomery, Sr. and Elnora Fields-Montgomery. A devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend, Deacon Montgomery lived a life rooted in faith, purpose, and service. For more than four decades, he stood as a pillar in his community and his church, touching countless lives with his leadership, compassion, and unwavering commitment to justice and education. Leodis was a proud graduate of the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, where he earned his bachelor’s degree. He later went on to receive a Master of Public Administration from Texas Southern University. A strong advocate for Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), he carried a lifelong passion for empowering future generations through education. Throughout his life, Deacon Montgomery held numerous leadership roles in civic and community organizations, including the Quail Run C.I.A., NAACP, the Fort Bend ISD School Board, and Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Incorporated. A true trailblazer, he was instrumental in the establishment of Thurgood Marshall High School to serve the students of southeast Fort Bend County—an enduring legacy of his dedication to educational equity. At the heart of his many accomplishments was his deep devotion to faith and family. As a dedicated church deacon, he lived out his beliefs through action, humility, and love. In his personal time, Leodis found joy in gardening, fishing, world travel, and cheering on his favorite Houston sports teams. Deacon Montgomery was preceded in death by his parents; his daughter, Vanessa Prejean; and his siblings: Ruby Montgomery, Perry Montgomery, Curtis Montgomery, Billy Montgomery, Jerome Montgomery, and Linda Montgomery-Strong. He leaves behind his loving wife of 45 years, Lena Faye Montgomery; his children: Tracy Montgomery, Carlyse Peete, Leodis Morris Montgomery Jr., Lynnette Montgomery, Lawrence Montgomery (Mikole), Estoya Stewart, and Kevin Stewart; grandchildren: Jaleel Montgomery and Rickey Peete; siblings: Carolyn Montgomery, Barbara Montgomery, Rev. Cleophus Montgomery Jr. (Dollie), Quinnion Montgomery, and Robert Pitts; along with a host of nieces, nephews, extended relatives, and dear friends. Though he has departed this earthly life, the legacy of Deacon Leodis Montgomery, Sr. lives on in the countless lives he touched and the community he helped shape. He will be remembered for his wisdom, his unwavering faith, and the love he so freely gave. Visitation will be held at 10:00 a.m. followed by services at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, May 3, 2025 at the Fountain of Praise Church, 13950 Hillcroft, Houston, Texas. Burial to follow at Greenlawn Memorial Park in Rosenberg. Pallbearers will include: 1. Rev. Darryl Montgomery 2. Deacon Horace Lenoir 3. Brother Richard Joseph 4. Deacon Darryl Dolford 5. Brother Kameron Hayes 6. Brother Jaevian Hayes 7. Deacon Hamp Lenoir (honorary) 8. Rev. Cleophus Montgomery, Jr. (honorary) 9. Deacon Elwin Simms (honorary) Expressions of remembrance and condolences are welcome and may be left for the family at www.davisgreenlawnfh.com. Arrangements are under the direction of Davis-Greenlawn Funeral Home, 3900 B.F. Terry Blvd. (Hwy 59 South @ FM 2218), Rosenberg, Texas 77471, Phone: 281-341-8800.

Tributes

Deacon Leodis Morris Montgomery, Sr.

November 20, 1947 - April 27, 2025