June 10, 1936 – September 14, 2026
“I will sing to the Lord, for He has been good to me.”
Psalm 13:6
Carey Patterson Montague, 90, passed away peacefully at her home on September 14, 2026, following a year of declining health.
Born in Alamance County on June 10, 1936, Carey was the daughter of Dean Eusebius Patterson and Mary Taylor Patterson. She graduated from E.M. Holt High School in 1954 and continued her education at Women’s College of the University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG), graduating in 1958.
Following college, she began a dedicated career as a social worker with the Alamance County Department of Social Services. For more than three decades, she served the families and children of Alamance County, eventually becoming Director of Family & Children Services before retiring in 1992. During those years, she formed lifelong friendships that became one of the great blessings of her life.
For 62 years, Carey and her husband, John “Bub” Montague, shared a wonderful life together. They adored their grandchildren and treasured every opportunity to spend time with them. Whether it was a trip to a water park, a movie, a museum, sporting events, or school programs, they loved being part of their grandchildren’s lives. Some of their happiest moments were spent making memories together, and they never missed a chance to have their grandchildren come stay with them.
With her giving and loyal heart, Carey was often among the first to lend a helping hand to anyone in need. Many sought her out for wise advice and thoughtful guidance, and her genuine kindness made people feel special. She found joy in caring for others, spending time with loved ones, and appreciating life’s simple pleasures.
Carey loved gatherings with her family and friends. Her favorite pastime was sitting on her front porch overlooking Patterson Pond, visiting with anyone who stopped by. She knew every acre of the land, every tree, flower, and path, and took great pride in caring for and sharing its beauty with others. These porch visits became a cherished part of her life and created countless memories for those fortunate enough to share them with her. There is comfort in knowing that she spent her final days at home, in the place she loved most.
The Virginia mountains always held a special place in Carey’s heart. She loved returning to her grandmother’s home place, where she spent much of her childhood and formed a lifelong connection to the mountains. She also looked forward to trips to Ocean Isle Beach with the Montague family, where precious time together became a cherished family tradition.
A lifelong member of Friendship United Methodist Church, Carey found faith, fellowship, and many lasting friendships there. She also served in numerous leadership roles throughout her community and was an active member of the Alamance Civitans for many years.
In addition to her parents and husband, Carey was preceded in death by her sister, Lettie Ann Patterson; her brothers, Jess Taylor Patterson Sr. and Caswell Dean Patterson; her sister-in-law, Shirley Montague Perry; and her son-in-law, John Smith.
Carey is survived by her daughters, Dreama Montague Dillon and her husband, Rhody, of Raleigh, NC, and Deana Montague-Skipper and her husband, Jon “Skip,” of Snow Camp, NC. She leaves behind five grandchildren: Hayley Dillon Cain and her husband, Brad, of Raleigh, NC; Anna Dillon Sibley and her husband, David, of Raleigh, NC; John Dean Montague of Raleigh, NC; Zachary Montague of Burlington, NC; and James Alan Skipper of Snow Camp, NC.
She is also survived by five great-grandchildren; her sister, Betsy Patterson Crisp of Yorktown, VA; her brother-in-law, George Montague and his wife, Barbara, of Ocean Isle Beach, NC; her sister-in-law, Rosalee Montague Rockafellow and her husband, Lee, of Sunset Beach, NC; and many nieces and nephews, whom she loved dearly.
The family is deeply grateful to the caregivers of At Eaze Home Health Care for the loving care, companionship, and support they provided throughout Carey’s illness. Their dedication made it possible for her to remain in the home where she treasured special memories. The family also extends its heartfelt thanks to AuthoraCare Collective for the compassionate care and comfort they provided during her final days.
Family and friends are invited to celebrate Carey’s life at a memorial service to be held at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, September 28, 2026, at Rich & Thompson Funeral Home in Burlington, NC.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Carey’s memory to AuthoraCare Collective, 914 Chapel Hill Road, Burlington, NC 27215, or Friendship United Methodist Church, 4612 Friendship Patterson Mill Road, Burlington, NC 27215.
