Virginia E. Motley

KANSAS, IL – Virginia Ellen Motley, age 92 of Kansas, entered her heavenly home while in the comforting presence of her family on Tuesday, February 19, 2013 at the Odd Fellow-Rebekah Home in Mattoon.  Visitation for family and friends will be held Friday, February 22, 2013 from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. at Adams Funeral Chapel in Charleston.  Services honoring and celebrating her life will begin at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, February 23, 2013 at the funeral chapel with Pastor Bret Hammond officiating.  Interment will follow in the Fairview Cemetery located east of Kansas.   It is requested that memorial gifts in her honor be made to the Kansas Christian Church New Construction.  Gifts may be left on the memorial table at the visitation or service, or mailed to Adams Funeral Chapel, 2330 Shawnee Drive, Charleston, IL 61920.

Virginia was born on September 24, 1920 in Hindsboro, Illinois and was a daughter of the late Roy and Maude (Minor) Clapp.  She married James B. Motley on January 24, 1940 in Kentucky and they shared fifty-six years of marriage prior to his death on March 31, 1996.  She is survived by six loving and devoted children, Dixie Gough, Suellen Bennett and husband Denny, James D. Motley and wife Beth, and Rosie Herrington and husband Myke, all of Kansas, Jeanie Smitley and husband Steve of Robinson, Illinois and Elizabeth Grubaugh and husband Tom of La Fox, Illinois; 17 grandchildren; 36 great-grandchildren; 3 great-great-grandchildren; a brother, Robert Clapp and wife Freida of Newman, Illinois; a sister-in-law, Nancy Clapp of Hindsboro; and numerous nieces and nephews.  In addition to her parents and husband, Virginia was preceded in death by 3 grandchildren; a daughter-in-law, Nancy Motley; a son-in-law, Bruce Gough; a brother, Joe Clapp; and a sister, Mary Pankey and her husband Everett.

Virginia has been a long-time faithful member of the Kansas Christian Church where she was actively involved as a member of the Happy Hustlers Sunday School Class, a member of the Women's Fellowship and a Sunday School teacher for the Nursery class. 

Virginia was an avid reader.  She was a lover of music and taught herself to play the piano, encouraged her children to learn and taught her grandchildren to play as well.  Virginia enjoyed her early morning walks and her love for animals was apparent as she made certain that the birds and squirrels were well fed.  Virginia enjoyed the pitchers that friends and family brought to add to her collection. 

Though she sometimes helped Jim with the grocery store – James B. Motley Groceries, her family was her priority.  Her house was a home that radiated warmth and love to all who entered.  She loved being surrounded by her family.  On Sundays and holidays, all were greeted with the aroma of a wonderfully prepared meal – she made the world's best noodles.  Children held a special place in Virginia's heart.  Her grandchildren were her pride and joy.  They, along with their friends knew they were welcome in her home and it was a gathering place for many of them.

She was a wonderful friend and neighbor to many – caring for those who appreciated her kind words and attention.  She cherished her memories and friends from the "old neighborhood".

Virginia was the matriarch of her family and dearly loved by all.  Her children and grandchildren were blessed with a mother and grandmother who possessed a kind and gentle spirit and was one who taught by example.  The many loving and fond memories of her are etched in the hearts of her family and friends and will never be forgotten.Click here to view Virginia's memorial video.