Rev. Dr. Joseph "Joey B" Bryant Montgomery was born on December 18, 1963, in Fredericksburg, VA, and departed this earthly life on May 19, 2026. He was the 2nd of two children born to the late Dr. Robert L. Montgomery and Laura Hendricks Montgomery. Joey lived a life defined by faith, service, intellect, and compassion. Known affectionately by family and close friends as "Joey B," he touched countless lives through his ministry, professional work, wisdom, humor, and unwavering willingness to help others.

Joey was educated in the Spotsylvania County School System where he excelled. He wrote the lyrics for his high school alma mater and served as Courtland High School's first Drum Major. Joey earned his bachelor's degree in political science from Hampton University, and dual master's degrees in public administration and legal studies from Sangamon State University (now the University of Illinois Springfield), before receiving his Juris Doctor degree from the District of Columbia School of Law.

He was also a proud member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., Omicron Eta Lambda Chapter, having been initiated in Springfield, Illinois, where he formed lifelong bonds of brotherhood and service.

A devoted man of faith, Joey served as an Associate Minister at The Berachah Church, where he frequently led services and shared his gifts of encouragement and insight with the congregation.

Throughout his career, Joey devoted himself to serving youth, families, and communities through leadership and consulting roles in education, ministry, social services, justice advocacy, higher education, volunteerism, HIV/AIDS outreach, and juvenile justice collaboration. Whether working within churches, nonprofit organizations, educational institutions, or public agencies, he remained committed to uplifting and supporting others.

Joey carried a particular passion for uplifting and mentoring young Black men. He believed deeply in the importance of character, accountability, education, and faith, and he took seriously the responsibility of encouraging the next generation with honesty, guidance, and love.

He had a vibrant spirit and a commanding presence that could brighten any room. Effervescent, thoughtful, and intuitively caring, Joey possessed a rare ability to connect with others and make them feel genuinely understood. Gifted with a sharp and discerning mind, Joey valued authenticity, wisdom, and meaningful conversation. While he extended grace generously, he had little patience for foolishness or unfairness.

Beneath Joey's sharp wit and strong convictions was a profoundly generous spirit. The same passion that made him loyal and devoted also made him fearless in speaking his mind. If ever Joey became worked up into what he called a "creamy lather" over a perceived injustice or slight, those nearby quickly learned there was little use attempting to diffuse the situation. Should anyone try to intervene while he was preparing to deliver what was certain to be the tongue-lashing of a lifetime, Joey would famously declare: "You can be on my side, you can be on no side, but if you're on the other side, you're getting everything I'm giving out."

Joey's larger-than-life personality was also reflected in his unmistakable elegance and personal flair. His love of all things Diana Ross — or "Miss Ross," as he insisted everyone call her — was legendary among family and friends. Whether discussing music, fashion, or life itself, he would inevitably find a way to reference her timeless beauty and sophistication, proudly proclaiming, "Her skin is tight!" to the amusement (or annoyance) of everyone around him.

Joey could "make a dollar holler," taking enormous pride in discovering stylish, distinctive, and one-of-a-kind treasures at the best possible price. Though practical and resourceful by nature, he had impeccable taste and an extraordinary eye for fashion, décor, and hidden gems, delighting in exceptional quality without unnecessary extravagance. Marshalls and T.J. Maxx have truly lost one of their most devoted shoppers.

Whether helping organize a gathering, adding the final touches to an event, or simply creating a welcoming atmosphere, Joey's meticulous attention to detail and unmistakable touch made every occasion feel polished, warm, and memorable. Considerate in even the smallest gestures, he rarely arrived at someone's home without a carefully selected host or hostess gift — one of many ways he expressed affection and made others feel appreciated.

Joey also found simple and creative ways to care for others in times of need. Whether sending heartfelt cards through his personal "card ministry" or turning an inexpensive rotisserie chicken into the foundation of a comforting meal for someone sick or shut in, he believed kindness and care did not have to be extravagant to be meaningful.

Rev. Dr. Montgomery is survived by his loving mother, Laura Montgomery of Fredericksburg, VA; his sister, Enda Montgomery Brown of Capitol Heights, MD; his nephew, Mark Young, Jr. (Angela) of Fredrick, MD; his niece, Siobhan Brown of Laurel, MD; and extended family members Rochanda Hiligh-Thomas and children Janae, Brandon, Nyla, and Leah Thomas, of Washington, DC, and Marla Robinson of Stonecrest, GA and children Olivia Murray of Chicago, IL and Sydney Murray of St. Louis, MO., along with a host of aunts, uncles, cousins, friends, church members, and loved ones who will forever cherish his memory. He was preceded in death by his father, Dr. Robert L. Montgomery of Fredericksburg, VA.

A viewing will be held at A.L. Bennett and Son Funeral Home, 200 Butternut Drive, Fredericksburg, VA, 22408, on Sunday, May 31, 2026, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM and one hour before the funeral service with the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated Ceremony beginning at 6:00 PM. A Celebration of Life will be held at Shiloh Baptist Church Old Site, 801 Sophia Street, Fredericksburg, VA, 22401, on June 1, 2026, at 11:00 AM. Click here to view a life streaming of the Celebration of Life. The interment will follow at Sunset Memorial Gardens, 3702 Loren Drive Fredericksburg, VA, at 2:00 PM.

The family wishes to extend heartfelt gratitude to Rochanda Hiligh-Thomas, Lisa Hill, Marla Robinson, Darlene Smith, the staff at George Washington Cancer Center and Mary Washington Hospital, family and friends for their care, support, and prayers during this difficult time.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that contributions be made to a scholarship fund being established in honor of Rev. Dr. Joseph Montgomery. Checks should be made payable to Laura Montgomery, noting "Joseph Montgomery Scholarship Fund," and mailed to 7 Noel Drive, Fredericksburg, VA 22408.