Alma Motley

Alma Gissendanner Motley BIRTH 21 Jan 1917 Ramer, Montgomery County, Alabama, USA DEATH 6 May 2005 (aged 88) Cleveland, Cuyahoga County, Ohio, USA BURIAL Holladay Memorial Park Holladay, Salt Lake County, Utah, USA Show Map MEMORIAL ID 202222777 · View Source

MEMORIAL PHOTOS 3 FLOWERS 1 Alma G. Motley 1/21/1917 ~ 5/6/2005 Grandma Gone to see Grandpa Angel Alma Gissendanner Motley returned to our heavenly father and the loving arms of her lifetime companion, friend and husband of 57 years on May 6th in Cleveland, Ohio. An amazing mother, grandmother, sister and friend she loved to cook, sew, and crochet and spend time with family friends. You could often find Alma busy teaching someone how to crochet, fixing potato salad for someone's wedding or sewing a new outfit for one of her grandchildren. Anyone who has ever received one of her specials gifts be it food, blankets, clothing, etc. would attest to the skill and love that created each item. Alma was born and raised in Alabama before moving to Colorado to marry her soul mate Robert Motley. Together they raised their children in Colorado sharing with them the importance of God and family, the beauty of nature and the gift of love. After Robert's death in 1998 Alma moved to Salt Lake to be near her family. She shared a home with daughter Carol and son-in-law Cloyd (the best son-in-law in the world she would say). Her family is grateful for the opportunity this gave them to share time and memories with her. During the last one and a half years Alma's declining health took her to Cleveland where she lived with daughter Mary. The time in Cleveland gave Mary and so many other people the opportunity to share memories with Alma that will last forever. A special thanks to the LDS Solon Ward who gave time and love to mom in her final year especially Bishop Haymon and wife Tracey, Laura Williams, Kammie Hardy, Beth de La Houssaye, Kathleen Harris, Virginia Everett and Missionaries. Additional, heart-felt thanks to Luci Pietrzyk and the HPERD faculty of Cleveland State University. Alma is survived by a sister Monahrea Cox (Cecil) and brother Glynn Gissendanner, sons Ray Gissendanner and John Motley (Marlene), daughter Mary Motley and Carol Bell (Cloyd), grandchildren John and Ray Alynn Gissendanner, John and Gerry Motley, Michele Fagg (Brian) and Mitch Vigil, although she loved all of her grandchildren Michele and Mitch made a great impact in her life. They were always there for her, and she for them. Their closeness is amazing, and the love that is felt is above reproach. Great-grandchildren John and Jessie Gissendanner, Cole Vigil and Riley Fagg and unborn baby Fagg. She wanted so badly to live to see this child born but God needed her now. Although all of her great-grandchildren were the light of her eyes she made a special bond with Riley and Cole who lived in Utah with her. These children although young will never forget the influence of love and God that she made upon them. She loved them unconditionally and gave to all children a gift that most people cannot see. Her love for babies /children was so different. She saw them through eyes that few people see. She was an angel of children, and no matter how long children were away from her, they would remember "grandma". Additionally, she is survived by five step-grandchildren Teri Vanderpoel (Mike), Paige Bell, Bryson Bell (Tani), Brandt Bell (Renae), Austin Bell and 10 step-great grandchildren, Dillon, Brennin and Michon Vanderpoel, Teegan, Alex, Bailey and Jake Bell, Courtney, Anthony and Rachel Bell, all of which she considered her own and loved as such. Mom's wisdom and love was above reproach. If she could share a lesson with people of all ages it would be to love your family and stay out of the sun. Her life fighting skin cancer took her eye and eventually her life. The anguish that she and our family went through during those times was undeniable. But what a trooper, she lived life to the fullest and would say "old lady if your not gonna die, then get better". We will never forget the inspiration she was to us, always to live each day to the fullest for tomorrow may not be so wonderful. Mom, we love you and will always love you, thank you for sharing your final precious hours with us, loving, hugging and continually telling us how much you loved our family. Those last conversations will last until we meet again. Tell Dad we love him, and miss him and look forward to the day that we can see you two again. Only God knows how much we miss you already. May everyone appreciate there Mom and Dads while they still have them, once they are gone it hurts so bad. We will plant the tree as you wanted at the cabin for "Mothers Day". Happy Mothers Day Mom, and thanks for the love you inspired upon us. Mary and Carol Graveside services will be held Saturday, May 14, 2005 at 2:00 p.m. in the Holladay Memorial Cemetery, 4900 Memory Lane (1990 East). Friends may call at the Holladay Cottonwood Mortuary, 4670 Highland Drive Saturday, 12:00 - 1:45 p.m.

Published in Salt Lake Tribune on May 12, 2005

Family Members Parents Photo John Henry Gissendanner 1878–1953

Photo Lillian Mae Edwards Gissendanner 1891–1956

Spouse Photo Robert Marion Motley 1912–1998 (m. 1949)

Siblings Photo Glynn Gissendanner 1921–2010

Children Photo Willie Ray Gissendanner 1938–2019

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