Montgomery Blake Irby

Montgomery Blake Irby, 65 of Peoria, IL was born on April 6th, 1961 to Frances H Johnson and Joe Irby. He passed away on Friday, July 17th, 2026 at 5:10am at his residence while surrounded by family.

Blake leaves behind three maternal siblings: Mark Irby, Kimberly L Johnson and Felecia L (Jack) Robinson all of Peoria, IL.

Five special maternal aunts Roberta (Sylvester) Gordon, Linda Sue Johnson, Leslie Winters, Sandra D (Mosey) Johnson and Linda J Stenson-Ware and one special maternal uncle Steven (Monica) Johnson.

Special maternal cousins Diane Knox, Denise Sain, Micah (Kim)Gordon Sr, Brett S Gordon, Parrish Johnson, Howard Johnson Jr, Linnie (Pat) Cockfield, Donald (Karen) Smith, Bryant

M.L (KaTrina) Johnson, Brook (David) Williams, Bruce Cockfield, Chasity (DeWayne) Gregory, Cherity Knox, Chetaye Knox, Seannae Gordon, Kashmiere Hughes, Alesia (Franky) Ivy, Brenda K Dixon, Erica Johnson, Corey R Johnson, Amber D Johnson, Dennis R Hunter, Steven M Johnson Jr, Stephanie (Deaun) Gillespie, Breona (Larry) Bynum, Christopher (Tanika) White, and Kelly Hill.

12 paternal siblings: Joe Ann Jones, Catha Irby, Diana O’Conner, Gloria (Jerry) Dixon, Sharon (Tracy) Murdock, Joenickle Irby, Kent (Alisha) Irby, Craig (Patricia) Irby and Anthony (Christine) Gibson all of Peoria IL. Ieisha (Antoine) Davis of Scottsdale, AZ, Pastor Melody (Porter) Hulett of Springfield IL, Michael (Patricia) Manson of Chicago Heights, IL.

One stepsister Geraldine “Bitty” Martin of Peoria, IL.

One special paternal uncle Otis Irby.

His caregiver Jennell Ashby, maternal nephews Ricco Johnson, Marcus Shockley, Teddy R Smith, Deaundre Smith, Devante Jackson, Deontavius Jackson, Dejone Jackson and Jay Robinson. Maternal nieces Tara Smith, Tamika Smith, Tamika Johnson, Tara Johnson and Devin Albert. Maternal great nephews Desmond Johnson, Darius Johnson, Martez Dixon and Elias Johnson and great-nieces Deriona Johnson and Yomii Dixon.

Five daughters: Darnisha Johnson of Decatur, IL, Dominique Smith of Peoria IL, Arshonda Smith of Coralville, IA, Tynesha Smith of Peoria, IL and LaBrika Butler of Peoria, IL. One son: Demarco Bowel of Peoria, IL.

Special friends Bobbie Bowel and Junice Jackson

He also leaves behind a host of grandchildren, extended family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his maternal grandparents Roy H and Anna Mae Johnson, two maternal sisters Tara Johnson and Cheryl A Simms, one paternal sister Abigail Irby. Two maternal aunts Dora M Brown and Carol A (Daniel) White, four uncles Howard (Betty) Johnson, Thomas H Johnson, Walter (Dixie) Johnson and William D Johnson, maternal cousins Erika S Gordon, Walter Johnson, Timothy C White and Roy Cockfield and two paternal cousins Dennis Irby and Brian Irby. Childhood friend Patricia Bowel.

Blake did give his life to Christ before his departure from this earth to glory. He loved to skate and ride bikes of all sorts. He also loved to listen to music and watch western movies and Wheel of Fortune, but his biggest love was to dress up in his suits and hats. He was never seen without a suit with the hat and shoes to match or without starched jeans and high top black and white Chuck Taylor All Stars. He will be missed by all those that knew him.

The family would like to acknowledge and thank his bike crew The Gangster City Riders which consisted of: Jacqueline “Fat Cat” Pickett, Valerie Johnson, Amp Rickmon, Leslie Burroughs, Bit Cagle, Tony Green, John Irby Jr, Shondra McKinley, Lisa Davies-Kelly, Dorcas Rickmon, and deceased members: Roy Cockfield, Bobby Cagle, Robert Greer, Lester Dixon, Nita Robinson and Velvet Nunn.

We’d also like to acknowledge the Fernwood Skating Crew which consisted of: John Irby Jr, Dennis Irby, Brian Irby, Gary Irby, Ray Little, Victoria Irby-Dotson-Nealy, Ann Irby, Brenda Irby and Renay Irby.

Celebration of life service will be officiated by Pastor Melody Hulett on Saturday August 1st from 10am until 12pm at God’s House Community Church, 3405 SW Adams St. Peoria, IL-Bishop Terry Holley.

Burial will follow immediately after at St Josephs Cemetery, 2105 W. Heading Ave., West Peoria, IL 61604. 

Repast will be held at George Washington Carver Community Center, 710 W Percy Baker Jr. Ave in Peoria, IL 61605 at 5pm. All are welcome.