Rachel Diane Darden Montgomery

Rachel Diane Darden Montgomery, age 45, of Pascagoula passed away on Thursday, April 9, 2026 surrounded by her family after a courageous battle with cancer. Rachel was born May 20, 1980 to Rickie and Mary Darden in Pascagoula, Mississippi.  

Cancer may have touched Rachel’s body, but it never defined her spirit. Her life was a testament of her resilience, faith, and unconditional love. She taught us how to live and courage, how to love deeply, and how to hold on to hope even in the face of uncertainty.  She leaves behind a legacy of strength and love that will continue to live on in the hearts of her family, friends, and all who were blessed to know her.

For 18 years, Rachel dedicated her life to working as a preschool educator, where she nurtured, guided and inspired countless young children. Her patience, warmth, and passion for teaching left a lasting impact on the families and children she cared for as she took great pride in shaping the minds of these young children.

She is preceded in death by her “Second” momma, Marie “A’rie” Denton; her maternal and paternal grandparents, aunts, and uncles.

Rachel was a devoted wife, loving mother, cherished daughter, and beloved sister. She is survived by the loves of her life to include her husband, Terry Montgomery; her son, Jesse Smith (Jayla); her daughter, Bella Montgomery.  She also leaves to cherish her memory, her mother and father, Rickie and Mary Darden; brother, Jason Darden; her “Sister Cousins”, Stacey Slamans (Joey) and Donna Denton; “Second” father, Joseph Denton; her aunts, Debora, Cathy, and Joyce; her fur babies, Sassy and Jaz; countless other family members and friends.

Visitation will be Sunday, April 12, 2026, 6:00-8:00pm, at O'Bryant-O'Keefe Funeral Home in Pascagoula.  Funeral Service will be Monday, April 13, 2026, 1:00pm, in the funeral home chapel.  Interment will follow at Machpelah Cemetery in Pascagoula. 

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