Vera Deloris Motley

Vera D. Motley was born September 10, 1942 in Tunica, Mississippi to the union of Mr. Levi Evans, Sr. and Mrs. Mattie L. Evans both preceded her in death. Vera was educated in the St. Louis Public Schools after moving to St. Louis, Missouri in 1947. She attended UMSL and gave up her dream of graduating in order to help loved ones who needed her. Although Vera was 12 hours shy of graduating with her degree in social work, she didn't let that stop her. She served for 42 years in the social services field because she had a heart to help those that people and life had cast to the side. Vera started working with Yeatman District Community Corp in 1968. At that time she worked with the community and families in such areas of housing, employment and day care/head start. Vera moved from there to Women's Self-Help Center where she worked with battered and abused women. During that time Vera was instrumental in developing the 24-hr Crises Hot Line and a volunteer program which trained law enforcement officials and others within the community about abuse and related issues. Vera moved from there to Relocation Clearing House helping families with relocating after their home had been condemned. Vera was blessed to gain employment with General Motors in Wentzville in 1984. The money was great and beneficial for improving her financial situation but was not nearly as rewarding as social work. So Vera returned to social services again with the State of Missouri. During her 14 years of service with the State, Vera worked with abused/neglected and foster children and senior citizens. If asked the most rewarding job, Vera would reply, "working as an advocate for the seniors" and what an advocate she was for them. Vera was the proud mother of 6 children: Anthony (Tony) R. Evans, Bishop Darryl A. Evans, Sr., Deborah A. Evans (who preceded her in death), Alisia (Pebbles) M. Webb, Minister Terry L. Grinston and Minister Jamie T. Grinston. If asked about what makes her smile other than her faith in God, She would proudly say, "my babies". Vera worked, went to school and raised her children all while doing it as a single mother. She never let life's obstacles hold her back from getting a better life and opportunity for her children. Her favorite saying to help her children get motivated was, "Either you work or go to school, but you can't just lay around here." Vera would often go without just to make sure that her children wouldn't. Vera was united in holy matrimony on December 3, 1988 to Reverend Arthur Motley (who preceded her in death). Vera accepted Christ and was baptized at an early age. She joined Mt. Gideon Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of Dr. Robert L. Huston in 1980 and served in various auxiliaries until 1995. In 1955, Vera moved her membership to Calvary West Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of Bishop Darryl A. Evans, Sr. Vera served faithfully as a member, on the mother board and social service informant until her health failed her. Vera was a true survivor of breast cancer for 8 years and a host of other medical conditions but through it all she kept the faith and loved God. Vera transitioned on Monday, May 7, 2012. Her husband, 1 daughter, her parents, 3 brothers and 2 sisters preceded her in death. Vera leaves to cherish her memory: 3 sons, Tony Evans, Darryl (Terry Ann) Evans, Sr., and Terry Grinston (Christina); 2 daughters, Alisia (aka Pebbles) Webb and Jamie Grinston; eighteen grandchildren, thirty-one great-grandchildren, 1 sister, Magnolia Beene, 1 brother, Levi Evans, Jr.; a host of other relatives, friends, and acquaintances; and 6 special friends, Beverly Ingram, Servisa Cash, Fern Ferguson-Bush, Shirley Campbell, Nettie Goree and Josephine Hood. This Online Memorial has been created to commemorate the life of Vera Motley. You are invited to add a Tribute in her memory. Please click "Sign Guestbook" below to add your own memories, reflections, thoughts or condolences.