Shirley Jean "Sug" Motes

Shirley Jean "Sug" Motes, 91, passed away November 6, 2023.
Shirley was preceded in death by her loving husband, Carlos L. Motes; her parents, Howard F. "Buck" Stilwell and Geraldine "Gerry" Stilwell; brother, Howard "Buzzy" Stilwell; sister, Sally Stilwell Mathews; and niece, Sabra Provenza.
Born in Wheeling, West Virginia, Sug moved to Columbia, South Carolina when her father became a managing partner in the Azalea Meet Packing Company. In 1941, the family moved to Palatka when the company opened a new plant employing many local people. Sug attended local middle and high schools in Palatka, where she made lifelong friends.
In 1951, Shirley married Carlos. The family were members of the First Presbyterian Church where Shirley served as a Deacon and member of the church womens' ministry. She was a small business owner/operator of Kit 'N Knit, a knitting supply store, and the Palatka Answering Service.
A fun and loving mother, Sug is survived by 5 children and their spouses: Connie (Jeff) Eilbeck; Terry (Russell D.) Castleberry; Vicki (Robby) Robinson; Rockney A. "Rocky" (Lorri) Motes; Randall K. "Randy" (Lisa) Motes. She is also survived by 12 grandchildren and their spouses: Jennifer Castleberry; Audrey (Daniel) Helms, Brooks (Amy) Robinson; Rockney Allen Motes II; Shel L. Motes; Jess Motes (Emily); Danielle (Asa) Gately; Kayla (Austin) Bradley; Austin (Ashlyn) Black; nephew, Scott H. (Tiffany) Stilwell; and nieces, Jeri (Charles) Williams, Lisa (Mark) Clements and many great-grandchildren.
Shirley was a generous, caring Christian woman who never met a stranger. She had a warm, sassy sense of humor and delighted in her family and many friends.
Visitation for friends and family will be Tuesday, November 14, 2023, from noon to 1 p.m. at the First Presbyterian Church, 123 South Second Street, Palatka, FL 32177. The Memorial Service will follow at 1 p.m. The Rev. Cliff Lyda and Pastor Jess Motes will officiate at the Memorial Service.
The family will hold a private internment with Pastor Daniel Helms officiating.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may also be sent to the First Presbyterian Church, Palatka.
Memories and condolences may be expressed to the family at Shirley's Book of Memories page at www.johnsonoverturffunerals.com.
Arrangements are entrusted to Johnson-Overturf Funeral Home in Palatka.