Sullivan Montgomery, Jr
February 21, 1947 - October 23, 2020
Obituary
Sullivan Montgomery Jr. was born in St Louis Missouri on 02/21/1947 to Leomia and Sullivan Montgomery. He is the 2nd oldest child and the big brother to the rest of his 11 siblings. Sullivan loved to learn and educate himself. A lifelong learner, he was a product of Garfield High School, in Seattle, WA and earned his high school diploma from Patterson High School in Ceres, CA in 1966. Shortly after successful completion of his education, he was drafted into the United States Military, Army Branch, where he served for this Country from 1968 receiving his honorable discharge in 1971.
Sullivan was familiar with and loved spending time traveling seeing new things and learning about people. He always had a curiosity about him that way. One of his favorite past times was traveling. He traveled many places, seeing and appreciating the beauty in life. He knew, California, especially Los Angeles, like the back of hand. Often reflecting about and sharing his fond memories of times experienced there. Even now, he would be able to tell you the best spots to eat and sights to see.
On Monday, December 18th, 1978, his life was forever enriched when he joined in union with his beloved wife and best friend Claudell Armstead. Their partnership reared two daughters Savina and Quiana, who joined their son Quaid. Ultimately producing 5 grandchildren, whom he was very proud. He was affectionally known as Baby Boy to his wife, Dad and Pops to his children, Papa to his grandkids, and Sonny Boy or Sully to so many.
Sully was a pillar in his family and that extended to his community. To his family, he had a personal connection with all his siblings, cousins, and friends! His home always served as a hub for all family matters and fellowship-whether it be family reunion planning meetings, a place to lay your head, Thanksgiving, or just because you wanted to get some knowledge, his door was always open. He was always a voice of reason, invoking neutrality to discussions and offering different perspectives to stimulate thought. Family functions at his house always proved to be a safe space for people to be themselves. Sully always wanted people to true to themselves and reach their potential.
His legacy includes connecting to people through conversations, mentorship, and sharing of his delicious food! He was the genius behind The One Stop Suicide Burger and his famous Louisiana style gumbo that he sold at the Evergreen State Fair. Anything he cooked, you could be sure it was made in love and it would be food for your soul. In addition to his entrepreneurship his love for cooking and entertaining at his home brought him much joy.
Sully was wise beyond his earthly years! A humble man who knew how to live life; he reflected often on his blessings and shared his perspective with anyone who would listen. Throughout his journey, he was careful to journal and capture his thoughts as a piece of his legacy gathering a collection of writings to forever memorialize him. He was known for his extensive library and love for music. Him and his wife often enjoyed nights out on the town attending various concerts and events. He often referred to music as his therapy. To him presentation mattered-he always presented his best self and expected the best from all who he interacted with. He would ensure he always had the best. The past few years he would go on field trips with his girls to make purchases for the finest colognes that tickled his pallet.
Sullivan left employment from The Boeing Company in 2002 and began his journey onto retirement. He intended to do what he enjoyed most, creating memories with his family and traveling with his love, Claudell. Sullivan was known for his jovial personality and love of his entire family. Whoever he spoke with he always made sure to express the value of family which led him to plan the first Tillman Connection Family Reunion in Greenville Mississippi in 2000. He was very instrumental with obtaining our family history and maintaining our lineage. This was the start to several family reunions and connections within our ancestry. A tradition that remains intact to this day; thank you Sonny Boy for your vision!
Sullivan was passionate about World PEACE. He knew the importance of peace and would ensure to make his environment a haven for such. He also knew that peace of mind was too costly to not strive for such. He wanted everyone to elevate to a level where they too could obtain their own peace of mind.
On Friday, October 23rd, at 5:08pm, in the company of his immediate family, our beloved Sullivan transitioned from this earthly world to rest in the bosom of the Lord; joining his mother and father who proceeded him in death. Here to celebrate his life, legacy, and teachings are his loving wife Claudell, son Quaid, daughters Savina (Robert) and Quiana (David); grandchildren Leland, Jordan, Deonté, Relijah, and Ethan. Siblings Mildred, Harvey (Nancy), Walter (Pacine), George, Floyd (Wanda), Florence (Shawn), Raymond (Trudy), Charles (Trasey), Felicia (Tommie), Henry, and John. A host of nieces, nephews, cousins, family, and friends. His light lives on through all of us. Sully lived his best life, as a tribute to his legacy, he would want you to live yours!
Charles/Traysi Montgomery
Charles and Traysi Montgomery
Dearest brother-in-law.
It’s hard to put into words how much you mean to our family. A pillar of strength and compassion to your siblings, a leader and source of knowledge for our children. We all looked to you for direction, now we look to each other to find comfort and happy memories in stories that make us laugh. You may be gone from our sight, but you will never be gone from our hearts. God bless you brother. Love Traysi
Brother,
I was truly blessed to have you as a big brother. It hurts to think about our last conversation not knowing it would be our last. But I am so grateful for the time we had together and the laughter we shared. I flashback to your birthday. We were singing happy birthday, you were dancing in your wheelchair. You looked at me and said, “still got it!” # 2, you will truly be missed. Always and forever – Charles (#9)
Sincere condolences to the family. You definitely left your mark and a great legacy!
I’ll love you forever my new angel!!!❤️
You are missed, but still loved.
Cousin Sullivan will always be remembered, celebrated , and loved by me and my son Alex.
Good night sweet prince , and flights of angels sing thee to thy rest.
I feel so blessed to have met papa bear through my dearest friend Quianna.
Papa bear will be missed. My prayers are with you and the entire family. God Bless you ALL.
Blessings, peace, comfort, and strength to you, dear Montgomeey Family. This is a beautiful and moving tribute to your wonderful husband/dad. I feel so grateful to him for the magnificent daughter he raised, who has so gracefully enriched our family, and for the love and care he has extended to my son (David) and grandson (Christopher) over the years. I could tell when I met Sully that he was one of those rare, exalted, truly kind and loving souls that there are just too few of in this earthly world. Undoubtedly, he is now gleefully exploring and flying joyfully throughout the vast, magnificent paradise destined by our Lord for loving souls like him. All is well. Keep your heads up, Family.
What a beautiful love story, woven so perfectly, befitting the precious gift that came from the Universe to this realm, to bring forth love and peace. Love is a divine power. Peace & Love
I am glad to have had you in my life, dear brother. Thanks for the lessons that you taught me about life and family. I’m sure that you will have equal if not greater impact in the next life as you’ve had in this one. We will never forget you. God Bless!
The Best Uncle Ever!!!! Thank you for your wise conversations, putting me on game to your music, and cracking jokes! I will never forget you! You have truly changed my life! You will be missed Unc! Love you!!
May God bless and keep you all Montgomery family.
Sending love and condolences to the Montgomery Family. May god provide you with peace and comfort.
Sully,
Thank you. There is not enough space for me to list all of the ways in which you positively impacted my life. Your love of family and your vision for world peace are unsurpassed. Still love you. Iwon
you will be missed
Sending Prayers and love to the Montgomery Family.
Anita Tucker
Cuzzin will be missed. My condolences to the family. Prayers and my love go out to the whole family!
Flo
Flo
Flo
Flo
I will truly miss my big brother , we always had the best conversation, whether it was serious or big laughs. We enjoyed talking about our siblings. I’m the lucky no.7. But I don’t feel so lucky now. One of the 12 pieces of our puzzle is gone. I miss you and love you bro, which was the last words he said to me last week. Amen ❤️
Very blessed to have experience an Uncle as caring and intelligent as My Uncle Sullivan. Thank you for all of the positive, informative and funny conversations. You will me missed and always loved
Family you’re all in my prayers
Sullivan made a difference in so many lives. I am thankful to have learned and grown from him. The joy he brought to our lives will not be forgotten.
Cousin God Blessings and Healing to the Family, we are truly sad Thankful that The Lord blessed us to be a part of his Family , I am better because I know you, Thanks you and Thank you Jesus, Love All
Cheryl Graves
Cheryl Graves
Love you Unc
My sweet Uncle,
You are missed and loved. You taught me about family togetherness and the treasures of a tight knit community more than anyone. I love how you hunted down our roots and shared all those bits of information with us over the years.
Thank you for letting us call you about random situations and listening while we ranted. You were always ready and willing to share your time and thoughts. You are a beautiful soul and this family will not be the same without you. Love always,
Your niece ~Jennifer
May the Lord provide comfort to you all.
My deepest condolences to the Montgomery family🙏🏽💕
He never said goodbye or bye. He left the conversation expecting to talk to you again “later Bro”.
Villagers, tribe and family we have lost a Great Patriarch, my brother Sullivan. To his wife and children, may God be with you in this ttine of loss. Watch, pray and press together till Jesus comes!!!
My Dear Uncle Sullivan,
I didn’t know our last visit in February would be the last time I saw you. We talked for a few hours and I’ll never forget your excitement about having a new beginning. You shared wisdom with me as usual and listened as I shared challenges I was experiencing in this journey we call life. You had been there, you lifed my spirits and gave me hope to keep fighting. I remember trying to tell you how much you impacted my life. Your humility minimized your impact in the moment, at least to you. I’ve told you a few times over the years and I’ll tell you again. You were my unofficial Dad. I remember you being my chaffeur for one of my high school dances. I didn’t ask you to, you volunteered when we were just checking in on each other. You came to the house, taught me how to tie a tie, brought a bottle of cologne and gave me a splash, pick up my date, took us to the dance and waited to take us to grab food and home. I never had a male figure in my life care as much as you do for me. Everytime I tie a tie for a business meeting, I think of you.
I love you uncle
~Chris
Love you forever,Good memories you are with me always.
Rest well Mr. Montgomery! Your physical presence will be missed, but I know your spirit will forever be in our hearts!
Love and light to the entire family!!✨
Renèe Benning
Raymond and Trudy Montgomery
Dearest brother Sullivan.
We love you and will miss our times together. You’ve always been that light for us, and still are. Peace now and continued Blessings. Till we meet again. May the Lord comfort your family and every side.
Blessed to have enjoyed a portion of your life. Thank you Sul, your energy will always be held near to my heart.
My Condolences to the family. Love y’all.
Sincere condolences to the family. You definitely left your mark and a great legacy!
Although I didn’t know Sullivan personally I do know his amazing daughter Savina. He must have been an incredible father to raise such a smart, thoughtful and kind daughter. My heart hurts for your loss.
We are very thankful and blessed for the wonderful person you have been in our lives. We will continue to cherish all the love, wisdom, & funny conversations forever as you will always live within us.
“Uncle” Sullivan – I miss you and love you mane – wish I could crack that IRS joke once more. I can picture your soul chillin with my pops’ listening to Maze
Sullivan will be missed but he leaves so many wonderful memories for his friends and family to hang on to. He was such a jovial, fun-loving man, always ready with a smile or joke on hand. He had a way of making everyone feel like family and I’m glad to have known him. Blessings and love to the Montgomery Family!