Shirley Barkley-Montague

Mrs. Shirley Barkley Montague was called to eternal rest, Friday November 21, 2025. She was born May 12, 1951 in Knoxville, TN to the late Thomas Charles Barkley Sr. and Eula Vivian Billingsley Barkley.

She was a member of the first graduating class of Austin-East High School; class of 1969. After graduating, she was employed by Knoxville Head Start as teacher for over 20 years. 

She married the love of her life, Reverend Graham Montague on October 17, 1970. To this union was born a daughter, Melissa Danielle Montague. They shared a love that was unshakeable; holding on to one another through every season.  They would be married for 43 years until his passing in 2014.

She joined Beulah Church of God Holliness as a child under the late Arthur J. Glenn. She was a devoted member and had a deep love and affection for “true holiness.” Throughout the years, she served in capacities of Sunshine Band President, Usher, Church Secretary, Youth President, Choir Member, Parsonage Aide President, and Church Pianist. For many years, Rev. and Sis. Montague served as the parsonage for the pastor and other ministers visiting Beulah. 

In 2015, she became a foster parent through the state of Tennessee and housed many children in need of love and stability. Her loving and gentle spirit earned her the nickname of “Mama Q” from her foster children. She would fall in love with one of those foster children, Jonathan, and would eventually go on to formally adopt him.

Shirley was a woman of many talents. She was an accomplished seamstress, artist, and cook. She loved to entertain her family and church family for the holidays and other special occasions. She was known for her cheerful nature, friendly smile, and quick wit. She will truly be missed.

Preceded in death by her husband of 43 years, Reverend Graham Montague; father, Thomas C. Barkley, Sr.; mother, Eula Vivian Billingsley Barkley; sister Vivian Barkley; brothers, Thomas C. Barkley, Jr. and Timothy Barkley Sr.

She leaves to cherish her memory: very devoted daughter, Melissa Montague; loving son, Jonathan Montague; brother, Kenneth Barkley; sister-in-law, Peggy Barkley; niece, Rochelle (Cory) Stone; nephews, Timothy Barkley, Jr., Thomas C. Barkley, III, Jonathan Barkley and Michael Barkley; aunt, Delores Barkley; devoted cousins, Vanessa Curry and Robert Simmons; special friends, Zella Mimms and Pearl Gallagher; the Montague, Davis, Thompson and Yarbrough families; and a host of other relatives and friends.

Family will receive friends Friday, November 28, 2025 from 6:00- 7:00 PM at Beulah Church of God Holiness, 1510 University Avenue Knoxville, TN 37921. Funeral services will be held Saturday, November 29, 2025 at 1:00 pm at Lennon-Seney United Methodist Church, 2084 Dandridge Ave Knoxville, TN 37915.Elder Eugene J. Swinger, Jr. officiating and Elder John R. Alexander, Jr. eulogist. Interment at Mt. Olive Cemetery. Final arrangements by Jarnigan & Son Mortuary. www.jarniganandson.com