Montez D. Barrett

Montez Donta Barrett, affectionately known as Tez or Moni , the son of Angelique Venable and Marvin Barrett, was born on September 19, 2000 in Baltimore Maryland.

Montez, along with his sisters, were raised in a loving home, with his mother and “JJ”(James Reed) who both instilled the importance of respect, compassion, and accountability early in life.

Montez attended Baltimore City Public Schools for his primary education and his love for football was showcased with the Baltimore Elite youth football team and the Parkside Warriors.

Montez would later join Roca Baltimore, a cognitive based community violence intervention program that currently serves over 100 young men from Baltimore, this program would be a beacon of light for Montez future.

Tez loved sports, especially those Baltimore Ravens, the home team! Of course his favorite colors were black and purple! On game day, you could catch him geared up and ready to rep his team!

Tez was so laid-back and reserved unless he needed to prove his point. He was a GREAT debater and wouldn’t stop talking until whatever point HE had was proven! Always ending with a giggle of confirmation. He was effortlessly funny and would often pull pranks on his loved ones with his goofy personality.

Tez had a liking for all kinds of music which led him to the studio where he would put his vision to a beat and rock off! His talent and passion for music would later be passed down to his nephew, BJ with whom he shared a special bond.

Tez was very affectionate to those he loved, especially the kids that brought him so much happiness and in December of 2021, he and Aziah were blessed and welcomed a bundle of joy, a daughter named Amani Ire’Ava Barrett a.k.a. Mani Jr.  His devotion to her was unmatched! Tez and Amani loved to play “peekaboo” and “daddy..Where are you..Mani, where are you?” as he traveled along with her on his neck or back.

Although Montez was known to live in the moment, fatherhood had inspired him to learn a trade in the HVAC systems where he would later work alongside Amani‘s grandfather as an apprentice. Montez had a plan to become the best version of himself for his daughter Amani and his future endeavors as an entrepreneur.

Sadly on April 25, 2024, Montez at the age of 23, a loving son, devoted father and loyal friend to many, lost his life selfishly in West Baltimore. This tragic loss has had a tremendous impact on all who loved him and his infectious smile will ALWAYS remain in our memories today, and forever more.

Montez is preceded in death by his  grandmothers Paretra, Loraine & MaMa Kitty and brother Marvin Barrett.

Montez is survived by mother Angelique Venable(James “JJ” Reed); father Marvin Barrett; grandmother  Sharon; daughter Amani Barrett (Aziah); 4 sisters Jabriah, Jakera, Jamiah, and Markya; 2 nieces, Royal and McKenzye; 2 nephews Bryan and Kason; aunts Corretta, Michelle, Fatimah, Shareka and Alicia; uncles, Shawn, Tavon, Greg, Tyreek, Lenard, Sgt. Anthony and Lunzell; godmothers Nya and Renae’; godbrother Jimmy; guardian angel, Ms.April and a host of loving relatives.