Joan MASON

MASON, Joan, of Colonial Heights, Va., succumbed to cancer after a long and courageous fight on Thursday, September 17, 2009. Her beliefs were in God, country, and family. During her working years, she accepted increasingly responsible positions in federal service. Her career started with the Department of Army at Ft. Lee, Virginia, before moving to Washington, D.C. to work at the Department of the Interior. She ended her federal career when she retired from the position of the Director, Administrative Services Division of the Office of Inspector General of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration. She returned to live in Colonial Heights after she retired. Joan was born in Petersburg, Va. She was preceded in death by her parents, Louis and Mary Barfield Motto; and her brother, Louis Motto Jr. She is survived by her two sons, Alan Talley of Washington, D.C. and Mark Talley of Chesterfield, Va. She is also survived by her brother, Forest Motto; and her sisters-in-law, Joan and Jean Motto. Her nieces are Cathy McKaig and Mary Ann Hill; and her four nephews include Michael, Robert, Richard, and Forest Glen Motto. A celebration of her life will be held starting at 11:30 a.m. Saturday, September 26, 2009, at Wesley United Methodist Church, 3701 Conduit Road in Colonial Heights, Va. Everyone is invited to attend the reception that will be held at the church immediately following the service. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that memorial contributions be made to either her home parish, Wesley United Methodist Church, or to a charity of your choice. Condolences may be registered at www.ealvinsmall.com.
This obituary was originally published in the Richmond Times-Dispatch.