Anna Margaret Motes

Anna Margaret Gunter Motes, of Waco, passed away peacefully on January 30, 2026, surrounded by her family. Following a serious fall on Sunday evening, January 25, her precious, frail body was unable to recover from the injuries. Anna Margaret was born in Kosse, Texas, to parents John W. Gunter and Lela Miller Gunter. She was raised in the close-knit community of Enochs, Texas, and graduated from Three Way High School in 1953. In 1953, a meeting at the Methodist church in Enochs changed her life forever. It was there she met Jesse, the pastor’s son and the love of her life. They married on December 22, 1955, beginning a 70-year journey of partnership that took them from Enochs to Lubbock, Texas, to attend Texas Tech University; to the community of Sulphur, Louisiana; and eventually back home to Texas. A proud Texas Tech University alumna (Class of 1957), she earned her degree in Applied Arts in Home Economics, laying the foundation for a life dedicated to being a devoted wife, mother, and mentor in her community. Anna Margaret’s "top priority" was always her role as a wife and mother to Kyle and Marjean. That love only grew as she became a grandmother. Jesse and Anna moved to Forney, Texas, in 2002 just to ensure they never missed a moment of their four grandchildren’s lives. Later, she and Jesse moved to Waco in 2016 to be near their daughter. Following in her mother’s footsteps, Anna Margaret became a gifted pianist and piano teacher. She served as the pianist and organist at Henning Memorial United Methodist Church in Sulphur, Louisiana, and later as the pianist at Trinity Church in Forney, Texas. She also loved to sing and play the autoharp. Whether she was playing the autoharp at the Holly Hill Nursing Home for residents or performing piano or organ for weddings and funerals, she used music to bring both joy and peace to those around her. Having dedicated her life to Jesus at the age of five, Anna Margaret was a lifelong student and teacher of the Bible, leading Sunday School and home studies with a servant's heart. She was known to sign graduation letters with one of her favorite Bible verses: “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” -Matthew 6:33 Anna Margaret was perhaps best known for her unconditional and radical kindness. She had boundless positivity and cheerfulness. She was the rare soul who could tell a near-stranger "I love you" and mean it completely. She saw the best in everyone, leaving a trail of positive words and cheered hearts wherever she went. Prior to her passing, Anna Margaret was blessed to celebrate her 90th birthday and 70th wedding anniversary. She was also blessed with her first great-great-grandchild. Anna Margaret’s friends and family will miss her dearly. Anna Margaret was preceded in death by her parents, John W. Gunter and Lela Miller Gunter, and her brothers, John and Byron Gunter. She is survived by her husband, Jesse; son, Kyle and wife Nancy; daughter, Marjean Fahlenkamp and husband Lee; grandchildren Beth Stevens and husband Michael, Daniel Fahlenkamp and wife Julie, Rachel Warapius and husband Tom, and Kyleigh Osterman and husband Matt; great-grandchildren Logan, Landon and wife Bre, Lawson, Brooks, Lincoln, Mila, Forrest, Leo, Bear, and Sophie; and great-great grandchild Harper. An intimate graveside service will be held on February 5 at Waco Memorial Park in Waco, Texas. Floral tributes are welcome, or if you prefer, a memorial donation may be made to PreBorn!, a non-profit, pro-life organization (give.preborn.com).