Mr. Theoplis Motley

MOTLEY, Mr. Theoplis - Age 85, passed away Monday, August 16, 2021 at his residence. Family hour 10:00 AM Tuesday, August 24, 2021 at Mt. Calvary Missionary Baptist Church, 4805 N. Saginaw St., with funeral service commencing at 11:00 AM Rev. Dr. Henry L. Fuller, Jr. officiating. Interment Sunset Hills Association, G-4413 Flushing Rd. Friends and pallbearers will assemble at the church 10:00 AM Tuesday. Mr. Motley will lie in state in the Chapel of Lawrence E. Moon Funeral Home, 906 W. Flint Park Blvd., and may be viewed from 12:00 PM - 6:00 PM Monday. Deacon Theoplis Motley began life’s journey on August 3, 1936 in Billingsley, Alabama to parents of John Motley, Sr., and Arlela Motley, the fifth of thirteen children. He accepted Christ at early age. After graduating from high school he moved to Flint, Michigan in 1954. Theoplis, affectionately known as “Bubber,” met the love of his life, Geraldine White, they were united in holy matrimony on December 22, 1956. They were married 64 years and to this union was blessed with five children. Theoplis was employed at Chevrolet V-8, a Division of General Motors, and was retired as a skilled tradesman after 44 years of service. Bubber united with the Mt. Calvary Missionary Baptist Church when it was located on Industrial and McClellen. He served God through several ministries, including the Deacon Ministry, Church School as a Teacher and the Music Ministry. He enjoyed spending time with the family, fishing, bowling, where he participated in tournaments and bowled a record series score of 833. Most of all he enjoyed singing praises to the Lord, “There is Something About God’s Grace.” Deacon Motley leaves to cherish loving memories: wife, Geraldine Motley; two sons, Michael A. (Janice) Motley of Flushing, Michigan and Theoplis, Jr of Ypsilanti, Michigan; three daughters, Stephanie K. Johnson of Wixom, Michigan, Jacqueline S. Hicks and Rosheila Motley of Lansing, Michigan; four brothers, Deacon Samuel Motley of Flint, Michigan, Benny (Daisy) Motley of Burton, Michigan, Walter Motley of Clanton, Alabama and Dennis (Gwenda) Motley of Hopkinsville, Kentucky; four sisters, Annie Jean (Wilbur) Banks of DeSoto, Texas, Margie Young, Gwendolyn Gibbons, both of Milbrook, Alabama and Iola Wilson of Clanton, Alabama; sister in-law, Barbara Motley of Westland, Michigan; ten grandchildren, Michael (Jacquelyn) Motley, Jr., Tamika Hicks, Marques Hicks, Jessica Motley, Jennifer Johnson, Maurice (Nyesha) Motley, Marvin Motley, Ashley Motley, Michelle (Jonathan) Matthews and Staci (Preston) Tinsley; eight great-grandchildren; a host of nieces, nephews, relatives and friends, including the Rosedale Avenue and Mt. Calvary Church families. Theoplis was preceded in death by his parents, John, Sr., and Arlela Motley; three brothers, Charlie, Colonel and John Jr. Motley; and sister, Lela Koger. The Family would like to express special thanks to Rev. Dr. Henry L. Fuller, Jr., and the Mt. Calvary Missionary Baptist Church family.

Mr. Theoplis Motley

August 3, 1936 - August 16, 2021