Jacinda Montgomery-Gammage

Jacinda Maria Montgomery-Gammage was born on June 5, 1976 in Sacramento, California to Alonzo Earl Montgomery and Marlys Ann Montgomery (nee Stein). Jacinda passed away peacefully on December 13, 2023, in Whittier, California, at 47 years old, following a brief illness.

Jacinda was a fierce advocate of our Democracy and sought to educate and improve the lives of youth, particularly marginalized youth, throughout her life. She began her career in Sacramento, California where she worked as a Local Director for Voter Registration. After earning a Bachelor of Arts degree from Marylhurst University, she transitioned into teaching. She taught in the Los Angeles Unified School District for the last 13 years, first as a Middle School Teacher and then as a High School Teacher. Recently, she received a Masters Degree in Education Technology from California State University.

Jacinda leaves behind her loving husband, Scorwin Gammage; her two beautiful daughters, Soriya Chhoueth and Zola Gammage; and her adored nephew, Kundai Chamutinya, whom she looked after as her own after the passing of her sister, Shalom; her mother, Marlys (Aaron) Joiner; brothers, Kenneth (MiYoung) Montgomery, Maluki (LaNette) Montgomery, and Uriah Montgomery; 8 nieces and nephews; her dear aunt, Charlene Rogers; cousin, Esther Rogers and family; and close family friends for many years, the Blumklotz family.

She was preceded in death by her older brother, Alonzo Montgomery, IV; father, Alonzo Montgomery; and her older sister, Shalom Montgomery.

Jacinda loved the outdoors and could be found hiking, camping, and enjoying nature. She cherished spending time with family and friends.

She was recently training, for the first time, for the Students Run LA half marathon on 10 December to help challenge at-risk secondary students to experience the benefits of goal-setting, character development, adult mentoring, and improved health.

Jacinda’s life story was a mirror for many of the students she sought to reach. She had to work hard for everything she achieved, and inspired others to do the same. In her words,

“One reason I decided to teach is to show that it does not matter where you come from, it is where you are going. It is also important to me to honor the students in my classes and help them navigate successfully through the school system.”

Jacinda was devoted to her family, friends, and students in equal measures.

May God be with Jacinda and the ones she leaves behind.

Please join her family and friends for a memorial service via Zoom on Friday, the 21st of December, at 3 PM Pacific / 6 PM Eastern, to remember her life, share memories, and to ask for God’s grace.

Zoom link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/84744594222?pwd=aNJdm1DPAHFXwFNDf9i2FtjwmxsUyy.1

A separate, in-person memorial service is being planned at the John C. Fremont High School in Los Angeles, California for February.