Ms. Lora Ann Tobar Montgomery

We celebrate the life of our Angel on Earth, Lora Ann Tobar Montgomery. Whether she was called Mama, Granny, Grandma Lora, Gigi, Lo-Ran, or simply Ms. Lora, she loved everyone just the same. We celebrate God’s gift of her to us and will forever cherish the moments, memories, and joy she brought into our lives. Born on January 21, 1961, in Forrest City, Arkansas, Lora was the first daughter and third of six children born to the late Lawrence and Dicie Tobar. She spent her early years at Evans Elementary alongside many of her cousins and loved running, playing, and riding wild hogs with her siblings and relatives along the country roads of Bonair. At an early age, Lora accepted Christ at St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church, where she faithfully served as both an Usher and the beloved custodian of Big Mama’s Kitchen. She was a proud graduate of the Forrest City High School Class of 1979—the school’s first fully integrated graduating class. Lora was one of the first employees of Sonic Drive-In and made history as one of its first African American managers. She loved to tell the story of going into labor with Brandi while still working as a carhop. She dedicated 45 years to Sonic and 27 years to Boar’s Head Provisions, working tirelessly until her health required her to retire. Lora was joined in matrimony to Edsel Montgomery Jr., and from that union came her two greatest gifts—Brandi and Ashley, who remained the center of her world. Lora and Edsel maintained a lifelong friendship rooted in mutual respect, and their unwavering devotion to the family they built together. Her family was her heart, and her grandchildren were her joy. Lora didn’t play when it came to showing up for her babies—each one equally loved and celebrated. Whether it was attending graduations, pinning Ashley as a nurse, helping Brandi organize her first home, or welcoming Braxton and her great-grandchildren, she was front and center. She helped raise her first two granddaughters, Ariana and Madison Montgomery, who lovingly called her Granny, alongside Landen, who became her shadow. She shared a special bond with Harmoni and Nickolas, who affectionately called her Grandma Lora, and beamed with pride as she embraced her youngest grandchild, Braxton, who knew her simply and sweetly as Gigi. After the passing of her mother, Lora naturally stepped into the role of family matriarch—keeping everyone connected, covered, and close. She held her family together with unwavering devotion and pride, especially when it came to her siblings. She loved her sisters (Velma and Brenda) deeply and looked up to her big brothers (the Twins) with admiration. Her Irish twin bond with her brother Larry was unshakable, and she doted on her baby brother, Pete, like only a big sister could. Whether planning a gathering or checking in “just because,” Lora made sure the family remained a unit—bound by love, memory, and her steady presence. In her later years, Lora found joy in traveling, cheering on her children and grandchildren, and catching episodes of The Equalizer. She shared a lifelong bond with her cousin and best friend Doreen Anderson—rarely seen apart, especially during their regular Walmart runs, which became their own cherished tradition. At the age of 64, Lora peacefully transitioned from this life on June 26, 2025, in Little Rock, Arkansas, after a courageous battle with cancer. Surrounded by her loving family, she fought with strength and grace until the very end. She was welcomed into eternal rest by her parents, Lawrence and Dicie Tobar; her great-grandparents, Walter and Katie Mays, and Bill and Eva Tobar; and her nephew, Dominique Tobar. Lora leaves to celebrate her life: Her daughters, Brandi Montgomery Riggins (Nicholas) of Charlotte, NC, and Ashley Montgomery of Little Rock, AR; Her beloved grandchildren: Ariana, Madison, Harmoni, Nickolas, Landen, and Braxton. Three cherished great-grandchildren: Mason Moore, ZyKeir Scott, Micah Fuller. Lora will be deeply missed by her siblings: Tharmon, Vermon; Larry (Brenda) Tobar, Brenda Joyce, Velma (Reggie) McCoy, and Melvin “Pete” Tobar. She also leaves behind her beloved “in-loves siblings”: Emma (James) Edwards, Joyce Strong, Sita Ledbetter-Montgomery, Stevie (Brenda) Montgomery, Donna (Felix) Duckworth and Lisa Montgomery of Forrest City, AR. A special aunt, Corine Williams of Grand Prairie, TX, Luella and Ethel Mae Tobar of Forrest City, AR, and an Uncle Sammy Tobar, of Forrest City, Two special Nieces, Latoria Westbrooks (Tyrell) and Collin Montgomery; A Sister Cousin: Doreen Anderson, and a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, and extended family who she loved as her own. Though our hearts are broken, we take comfort in knowing she is at peace—and we will carry her light in everything we do.

Ms. Lora Ann Tobar Montgomery

January 21, 1961 - June 26, 2025