The third of five children born to Junius Stitt Stearns (1885-1965, son of Dulin Benson Stearns and Mary Jane Beachum) and Ethel Elvira Ellis (1893-1956, daughter of Thomas Jefferson Ellis and Mary Hadden "Mollie" Magill), Rachel Wilson Stearns was born on St. Patrick's Day, 17 March 1917, in Monroe, Union County, NC. Her siblings were Junius S. Stearns, Jr. (1913-1986), Margaret Ellen Stearns (1915-1918), Frank Ellis Stearns (1918-2003) and George Benson Stearns (1920-2003). She married Samuel Everette Montgomery (1917-1979), and lived in Camden, SC, where she wrote articles for the newspaper, was an enthusiastic bridge player, and quite active in her church and social circles. They had two children. Rachel had a passion for genealogy and history, which she shared with a young cousin who loved her very much. She wrote several books on the history of Camden and local heritage and ghost stories.

From the Camden Chronicle, Camden, SC, 27 Dec. 2005:

"Rachel Stearns Montgomery, 88, of Camden, widow of S. Everette Montgomery, died Monday, Dec. 19, 2005.

"Born in Monroe, N. C., she was a daughter of the late Junius and Ethel Ellis Stearns. Mrs. Montgomery retired from the Camden Chronicle, where she kept the company books and wrote articles, including columns on Camden and NASCAR racing. Active in numerous community organizations, she was a past president of the Junior Welfare League of Camden. A women's college basketball scholarship player, she was involved in sport throughout her years in Camden. She was a volunteer at Historic Camden and supported literacy as a Friend of Kershaw County Library. She authored three books including "Camden Heritage" and "Camden Ghost Stories and Legends." At Lyttleton Street United Methodist Church, where she remained involved with her Sunday School class until her death, she was known for many years as the church's historian. She was an avid bridge player and supporter of sporting events.

"Surviving are one daughter, Rachel Montgomery Haynie of Columbia; one son, Samuel E. Montgomery Jr. and his wife, Eve Renne Montgomery, of Camden; grandchildren, Douglas Ellerbve Haynie of California, Michael Renne Montgomery and his wife, Elizabeth Shaw Montgomery of Camden, Elizabeth Montgomery Jordan and her husband, Scott White Jordan of Camden; great-grandchildren, Campbell Jordan, Renne Jordan and twins, Grace and Madison Montgomery.

"She was predeceased by three brothers, Junius Jr., Frank and G. B. Stearns, and a sister, Margaret Stearns.

"Services will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday at Lyttleton Street United Methodist Church, with burial in Quaker Cemetery.

"The family will receive friends Thursday one hour prior to service, at 1 p.m. at the Family Life Center, Lyttleton Street United Methodist Church.

"In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Kershaw County Historical Society, P.O. Box 501, Camden, SC 29020 or to Lyttleton Street United Methodist Church, 1206 Lyttleton St., Camden, SC 29020."

Thanks to Find A Grave contributor Jason Cockfield for adding a tombstone photograph.