Kenneth Poe Funeral Services

April 13, 2026

CHARLOTTE - Kathy Lea Montgomery passed away on Monday, April 13, 2026, in Charlotte, North Carolina, after a long and stubborn fight with Alzheimer’s—one she handled with far more grace than the disease deserved. She was born on September 28, 1951, in Gibsonville, North Carolina, to Howard and Ruby Lea.

Kathy is survived by her beloved husband of 44 years, Steve; her favorite daughter and son-in-law, Asheton and Brian Odom; her son and daughter-in-law, Cameron and Cassidy; and her five adored grandchildren—Olive, Faye, Charlie, Bruce, and Townes. She also leaves behind her brothers, Johnny and her twin, David, along with countless lifelong friends who felt more like family. She was preceded in death by her parents and her older brother, Jimmy.

As the only girl among three brothers, Kathy had plenty of opportunity to get away with anything—but she didn’t try. She used her charm to protect her brothers and make sure they did not get in trouble.

She married her best friend, Steve and—because just saying “I do” wasn’t quite enough—she sang “You Needed Me” by Anne Murray at their wedding. That pretty much set the tone for the next four decades: love, laughter, and Kathy doing things her own way.

She loved music and spent years singing with the group “Joyful Spirit” at Knollwood Baptist Church in Winston. Together, they brought their version of “Mr. Sandman” to just about every nursing home within driving distance—whether the residents requested it or not.

Kathy had a gift for making people laugh. She could deliver a toast that left a room in stitches, and if the moment called for it, she could even write a surprisingly good rap. She loved her friends deeply and never passed up a chance for a good conversation—or a little harmless complaining about life’s daily chaos.

Kathy had a playful, adventurous side, too. She once chaperoned a beach week full of 17-year-old boys and somehow kept order when things got out of hand. She drove the getaway car in neighborhood toilet paper escapades and “ring and run” games, always ready to join in on the fun. At home, her door was always open—especially on snow days—and her sweet tea was legendary in the Merrimont neighborhood.

She loved late nights on the porch with the Ocean Isle Beach crew, long games of Rook, and beach music playing in the background. She never missed a dinner with her Fine Wine Girls and cherished driveway hangouts with the neighborhood. She also passed down her love of old sitcoms—especially The Golden Girls—to her granddaughters, along with her appreciation for movies that her kids were definitely too young to be watching at the time.

Kathy had a creative spirit and a wonderful sense of humor—once even decorating a construction dumpster in her front yard for Christmas when a renovation dragged on longer than expected, turning it into a neighborhood landmark.

She dedicated over 25 years to teaching in Winston-Salem and Charlotte, leaving a lasting impact on generations of students—many of whom she would run into years later and greet like old friends.

She was a fiercely loyal wife, a devoted mom, and the kind of parent who could always convince Steve that yes, the kids absolutely did need whatever it was they were asking for. But her favorite role, without question, was being “Kats” to her grandchildren. She showed up, pitched in, loved big, and probably cleaned more than anyone asked her to.

Kathy was one of those people who is impossible to sum up—funny, kind, a little mischievous, and completely unforgettable. She loved deeply, laughed often, and made life better (and more interesting) for everyone around her.

She will be missed more than she would have liked—but remembered exactly the way she would have loved.

A memorial service will be held on Tuesday, April 21, 2026, at 3:00pm at Myers Park United Methodist Church. The service will be live streamed on the church's website for those unable to attend. A reception will follow at Carmel Country Club, 4735 Carmel Road, Charlotte, NC 28226.

The family would like to extend their deepest gratitude to Tee, Sheba and all the caregivers and staff at The Sanctuary, whose patience, kindness, and steady compassion brought comfort, dignity, and moments of light during her final months.

Memorials may be made to Myers Park United Methodist, 1501 Queens Road, Charlotte, NC 28207; The Ivey, 6030 Park South Drive, Charlotte, NC  28210; and Memory and Movement Charlotte, 411 Billingsley Road, Unit 103, Charlotte, NC 28211.

Arrangements are in the care of Kenneth W. Poe Funeral & Cremation Service, 1321 Berkeley Ave., Charlotte, NC 28204; (704) 641-7606. Online condolences may be shared at www.kennethpoeservices.com.