Melody Harper Motes

The family of Melody Harper Motes is greatly saddened to announce her passing on November 3, 2025 at the age of 70 at Tranquility Hospice in Georgia. She was born August 27, 1955, in Tuscaloosa, Alabama to Johnnie Jones Harper and Joseph Turner Harper of Northport, Alabama. Proceeded in death by her mother and father and sister Bonnie Dale Harper.

Melody is survived by her daughter, Amanda (Mandy) Motes Hughes (Scott) Grandchildren, Hunter Andrew Skelton, Katlyne Skelton Bordelon (Duncan), Great granddaughter Bella Bordelon, sister, Jo Frances Harper Strickland. Melody is also survived by many nieces, nephews and cousins.

In her early years, Melody grew up on her family vegetable farm. She was a momma's girl and always stuck to her like glue. When she started kindergarten at Crestmont, she kicked her teacher in the shins for a week because she wanted her momma.

Melody is a very proud alumni of Tuscaloosa County High School Class of 73". She always loved her classmates dearly. Many of them would gather for lunch every few months and homecoming was always a big deal.

After high school Melody attended the University of Alabama where she studied marketing and business.

After attending the University of Alabama Melody was employed by Montgomery Beverage, Lamar Advertising, Southern Linc, and Bellsouth Mobility where she sold the first phones to come on to the market. She covered several counties west central Alabama and became known as "The Phone Lady".

One of greatest loves was being MiMi to Hunter, Katlyne and Bella. The love she had for them was immeasurable and spending time with them was her greatest joy.

Next to her grandchildren Melody loved Carin Terriers, through the years she owned four and all were ridiculously spoiled.

She loved all things flowers and plants. She learned that from her mother. She could save the worst plants and she always loved finding unique plants and re rooting them to give to people. She even had some rooted in cups at the nursing home.

She never went a yard sale or thrift store that she didn’t love. Melody and Mandy would spend endless Saturday’s attending and finding both. While the grandkids didn’t love it, they did enjoy the time with MiMi.

Special people in her life were: Kelly Webster (like a daughter), Phil Pate, Janet Wood Foster, and Tuscaloosa County High Class of 73"

A heartfelt thank you to Gentiva Hospice of Georgia in home care and especially nurses Donna and Stephanie. As well as Tranquility Hospice of Georgia for giving her such loving care.

Please join the family for a Celebration of Life on November 15, 2025 at 11:00-12:00 for visitation and service at 12:00 at Jennings Chapel Methodist Church, 4001 70th Avenue, Northport, Alabama 35473. Melody requested bright colors be worn at her service.