Martha “Jean” Montney, 90, went to heaven February 17, 2020 at Community Hospice Alice and T. O'Neal Douglas Center for Caring. Jean was born December 19, 1929 in Tampa, Florida to George and Agnes Sagin. In 1951, she graduated from University of Alabama and was President of Pi Beta Phi Sorority. She married Richard "Dick" Montney of Detroit, Michigan on August 8, 1953 in Tampa Florida and they shared 54 loving years of marriage.
She was a wonderful, loving wife and mother, devoted to her children and grandchildren. She was a loyal and precious friend to so many and a beautiful woman with a twinkle in her eye. She was energetic, adventurous and always smiling and laughing. A true southern gentile woman whose joyous spirit affected everyone she met. She will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her.
Jean loved her church and served in many ways. She was an active member and co-leader for a circle for the United Methodist Women at Southside Methodist Church. She also participated in Mixed Bouquet where she decorated flowers for church functions and in the flower ministry of the church arranging flowers from the alter every Monday and delivering them to members for comfort.
Jean was a tireless volunteer. She was a room mother several years for her children when they attended San Jose Elementary. She served for many years in Baptist Hospital Women’s Auxiliary, Salvation Army Women’s Auxiliary, Salvation Army Advisory Board and on the Board for MOSH, formally Children’s Museum of Science and History.
She had many life-long friends and was involved with her Bridge Club for over 62 years, Supper Club for 35 years and the Sweetbriar Garden Circle over 63 years. She was a member at San Jose Country Club and Epping Forest Yacht Club.
Jean loved gardening and always had a beautiful yard. A few years ago a gorgeous wild peacock decided to make her yard his home. He gave her endless hours of enjoyment and she adored “Mr. Peacock” and in return he showed his love by dancing for her and displaying his feathers.
She spread her love of flowers and trees all over the city of Jacksonville. She was honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award from the City Council and Mayor of Jacksonville in 2001 for being instrumental in making Jacksonville a better place to live.
A beautiful live oak tree, located at the entrance to Friendship Park, commemorates the 150th anniversary of the founding of the city of Jacksonville and was presented by Mayor Hans G. Tanzler, Jr on December 5, 1972. There is a plaque dedicating it to Jean Sagin Montney - Jacksonville's "Lady of the Trees" for outstanding service and dedication as chairman of the Sesquicentennial Trees committee by the Jacksonville Sesquicentennial Commission.
She had many parties over the years and had the gift of grace and hospitality. She was an excellent cook and helped test recipes for the Jacksonville’s Sesquicentennial Cook’s Book, had a recipe published and is listed in the acknowledgement section.
Her love of travel was extensive. She travelled all throughout Europe with friends and family visiting castles and gardens and having great adventures. With her husband Richard, she attended multiple IBM Golden Circles travelling throughout Austria, Germany, France, Italy, Switzerland and Canada were some of her favorite places.
Jean is survived by her son, Richard H. Montney, Jr. (Tillie), and grandson Richard H. Montney, III of Winter Haven, FL; her daughter Martha Lynn Montney Wilkes of Orlando, and grandson Dr. Bradley Wilkes (Rachel), great granddaughter Stella Jane of Gainesville and grandson Brett Wilkes (Carla) great granddaughters Vida and Tiago, of New Smyrna Beach; her daughter Elizabeth Anne Montney Butcher (Darell) , granddaughter Macie Elizabeth Butcher and grandson Nicholas Michael Butcher of Jacksonville; and her pet “Mr. Peacock”
A Memorial Service will be held 11:00 AM Saturday, July 10th, 2021 at Southside United Methodist Church, 3120 Hendricks Avenue, with Pastor Phillip Short officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research Grand Central Station P.O. Box 4777 New York, NY 10163 https://www.michaeljfox.org/donate or Community Hospice & Palliative Care, 4266 Sunbeam Road, Jacksonville, FL 32257 support.communityhospice.com
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