Nancy Patty Mottern

1932 - 2025

Nancy Patty Mottern

April 3, 1932 - July 3, 2025

Palmetto Bay, Florida - In Loving Memory of Nancy Catherine Patty Mottern of Palmetto Bay, Florida, passed away in Miami on July 3, 2025, at the remarkable age of 93. Born in Louisville, Mississippi, she soon made her way to Meridian, where she spent her formative years and began a lifelong devotion to music and service. A gifted pianist and organist, Nancy became Lead Organist at Meridian United Methodist Church while still youngwhich soon led to her sharing her gift in sanctuaries of many churches over the years, as she continued to share her gift well into adulthood.

After graduating from Meridian High School in 1950, Nancy went on to attend Louisiana State Universitydespite her father's hopes that she would follow in his footsteps at Ole Miss, where he had played football. She earned a degree in Elementary Education in 1954 and began her teaching career in Greenville, Mississippi. It was there that she met Richard "Dick" Mottern, who was stationed nearby with the U.S. Air Force. They were introduced on a blind date and married a year later, on November 6, 1955, beginning a partnership that would span 68 years.

When Dick completed his service in the U.S. Air Force in 1957, Nancy moved with him to Jacksonville, where he began his career with Southern Bell in January 1958. His work later brought them to Orlando and eventually to Miami in 1971, where they would spend the rest of their lives together. Nancy became an active and devoted member of Kendall United Methodist Church, where she served in many leadership roles during her 54 years of membership. She was a longtime member and former president of the United Methodist Women and also served on the Board of Directors for Epworth Village Retirement Community in Hialeah, Florida. A lifelong contributor to her church and community, Nancy found her greatest joy in teaching Sunday school, where she helped shape the faith of a generation of young Christians.

Her love for her church, her family, and her friends was the guiding principle of her life. She greeted everyone as if she had known them forever, which created a sense of comfort and belonging wherever she went. Her quintessential Southern charm was ever-present, often punctuated with her signature phrase, "Hug my neck." Nancy had an extraordinary ability to remember details, fix what needed fixing, and connect people in meaningful waysgifts that left a lasting impression on all who knew her.

Nancy was a woman of constant motion, always on the go and always finding ways to help those in need. She had a gift for hospitality, opening her home to anyone who needed a place to go during the holidays. Her Easter gatherings in the backyard were especially memorable. She found great joy in cooking for others and took pride in feeding a crowd.

She was predeceased by her husband of 68 years, Richard (Dick) Mottern, and is survived by her three sons: Rick Mottern (Danette), whose steady presence brought comfort and strength; Stuart Mottern (Mary-Beth), known for his kindness and thoughtful nature; and Scott Mottern (Debbie), whose warmth and humor filled her life with joy. These three sons were blessings Nancy cherished deeply throughout her life. She was also immensely proud of her seven grandchildren: Taylor, Matthew, Catherine, Meredith, Brandon, Katie, and Elizabeth Mottern. Nancy treasured their phone calls, delighted with their updates, and especially looked forward to their visits. They, in turn, made every effort to maintain a close and loving connection with her.

She will be deeply missed.