Fredrick Montgomery

Fredrick Kenyeta Montgomery was born on September 15, 1972, in St. Louis, Missouri, to his mother, Debra Lorraine Love, and his father, Allen Ray Montgomery.

Fredrick was a fun but quiet young boy known for his inquisitive nature. He would often approach strangers with many questions. With family spread throughout St. Louis, he was surrounded by love and community. His childhood stories—some humorous, some unforgettable—were legendary and spoke to his bold spirit and fearless curiosity. Between the ages of 4–6, Fredrick’s grandfather, Pastor George Love, would read the Bible to him, and it piqued his curiosity about the Word and his faith.

During his pre-teen years, Fredrick’s mother moved the family to Seattle in search of a better life. As he grew older, he matured into a conscientious, social, and well-liked young man. He attended South Shore Middle School in South Seattle and later Rainier Beach High School, where he became a popular Viking and remains so to this day. During high school, Fredrick co-founded All Brothers Allowed (ABA), a leadership- and service-based program that focused on mentorship, community service, positive engagement, and entertainment through dance in the community. Through ABA, members were featured in a “Just Say No to Drugs” public service video. ABA later became the foundation for a new branch of All Brothers Allowed in Oklahoma City, started by Fredrick for his son and his friends. Later, this would become the basis for the Reach Forward Foundation.

At the age of 24, Fredrick had just rededicated his life to the Lord. Shortly thereafter, he met the love of his life, Wyjuana Startino. They were married on July 10, 1999, in Seattle, Washington, and together built a beautiful life. Fredrick was already the proud father of his first daughter, Jasmyn Montgomery, born on February 7, 1992. The couple later welcomed two more children, Khiry and Tavia, completing their loving family.

Fredrick became a pillar of the Seattle community and worked for Seattle Public Schools for almost a decade before relocating to Oklahoma. Fredrick was deeply rooted in his faith. A man after God’s own heart, he didn’t just speak about faith—he lived it. He was actively involved in his church, Mount Calvary Christian Center COGIC, under Bishop Reggie C. Witherspoon. Fredrick was always humbly seeking wisdom, growing spiritually, and serving faithfully.

In 2008, Fredrick made the selfless decision to leave Washington so his wife could follow a career opportunity in Oklahoma City with the OKC Thunder. Fredrick also worked as one of the Thunder’s youth basketball camp coaches for multiple seasons. He poured into many young boys and men, coaching basketball and being a mentor and role model to these individuals. Alongside his wife, he co-founded the Reach Forward Foundation, pouring into the lives of hundreds of students in grades six through twelve, guiding them toward becoming successful, purpose-driven adults.

After relocating to Oklahoma, he remained rooted and grounded in God, ministry, family, and community. Fredrick had a heart of gold. Affectionately known as the “Hood Dr.,” Fredrick was known for offering practical, heartfelt wisdom on life and love. He was a man of adventure, great insight, and bold faith—always in the right place at the right time, helping and rescuing others in need. The Montgomerys became faithful members of Integrity’s Voice of Victory, now All Nations Champions Church. Fredrick was a giver, a prayer warrior, and a welcoming presence, never allowing anyone to pass through his church without a greeting and a handshake. He faithfully participated in two Bible studies every week and studied the Word with his family.

Fredrick worked for Eagle Ridge Institute and Genesis Project Boys Home, pouring into the lives of young people. Most recently, he worked as a Campus Coordinator for Youth for Christ at FD Moon Middle School, Douglass High School, Northeast High School (now Classen SAS at Northeast), and Putnam City West High School. Through these roles, he taught leadership skills and shared the gospel with students across the Oklahoma City metro area. His impact is evident in the countless young people who looked up to him—many of whom affectionately called him “Dad.”

Fredrick was preceded in death by his mother, Debra Love Milton; his father, Allen Ray Montgomery; his stepfather, Jeremiah Dillworth; and his brother, Thomas Dillworth.

He leaves to cherish his memory his loving wife of 26 ½ years, Wyjuana Montgomery; their children, Jasmyn Montgomery (Brian) and grandchildren Khalil, Ayden, and Peyton of Newport News, Virginia; son and daughter, Khiry Montgomery and Tavia Montgomery of Oklahoma City; and Malina Samuels of St. Louis, Missouri, a niece who became a bonus daughter. Fredrick is also survived by his sister, Marci Hamilton of Atlanta, Georgia; Yolanda Pearson of St. Louis, MO; Crissandra Dillworth Wright (Curtis) of San Antonio, TX; Renita Dillworth of Seattle, WA; brother Corey Dillworth of Seattle, WA; brother Michael Dillworth (Cassaundra) of Vancouver, WA; sister Nekeita Fulton of St. Louis, MO; his aunt Joyce Love Lewis of Seattle, WA; uncles Jerome Love (Joyce) and George Love (Stephanie), both of St. Louis, MO; cousins Syria and Nikita Banks of Seattle, WA, who were more like sisters; a host of nieces and nephews; and countless other beloved family members and friends.

Though he is no longer with us on earth, we know his light shines brightly in heaven, reunited with those who went before him.

Gone, but never forgotten. Rest in peace, Fredrick Montgomery.

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