Dwight Montgomery: A warrior who was ready to fold his tent

The death of local pastor and activist Dwight Montgomery has unleashed an outpouring of online condolences, locally and nationally.

Montgomery, pastor of Annesdale Cherokee Missionary Baptist Church in South Memphis, died Wednesday. He was 67.

Montgomery headed the Memphis chapter of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference and was chairman of the Education Committee of the Memphis Baptist Ministerial Association.

Education Secretary Betsy DeVos issued a statement Thursday praising Montgomery for advocating equal opportunity.

"He knew neither income nor address should determine the quality of education a child receives," DeVos said. "Through his work in Memphis and with the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, many students and families benefitted from opportunities, both educational and spiritual, they would otherwise have been denied."

Kevin P. Chavous, founding board member and executive counsel for the American Federation for Children, called Montgomery "a titan of the civil rights movement" who gave a voice to the disenfranchised.

"He continued that important work each day until his tragic passing," Chavous tweeted. "He was a pastor who was willing to stand firm in his convictions and provide hope to those in need."

State Sen. Lee Harris of Memphis tweeted: "Rev. Montgomery leaves behind a lasting legacy that will be sorely missed by this city. He empowered young people and imparted hope in times of need. We are all better for his example, and his memory will live on for generations to come."

Bill Adkins, pastor of Greater Imani Church, said of Montgomery on Facebook: "Another warrior has folded up his tent and has gone home to be with the Lord. God bless you Brother Rev. Dwight Montgomery. We fought some great battles together. You've earned your reward."

Funeral arrangements have not been released.