Judith Ramsey Motley, 88, of Chatham peacefully passed away on Wednesday, September 27, 2017, surrounded by family. She was preceded in death by her loving husband of almost 65 years, Joseph Fuller Motley, brothers Wade Ramsey and Thomas Ramsey, and sister Louise Woodruff. She is survived by her sister, Janice Payne (Bill) of Huntsville, Al., children Sarah Motley and Susan Furry (Michael) of Salem, Tommy Motley (Louise) of Gretna, Joe Motley (Robin) of Chatham, and Tim Motley (Carol) of Chatham, 11 grandchildren, 9 great-grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews.
Judith was born July 1, 1929, to Thomas Isaiah and Annie Mae Whitley Ramsey in Charlotte, NC, and moved to the Brights community with her family as a young girl. She graduated from Gretna High School and married Fuller two weeks after graduation. She was a loving mother and grandmother figure to many in the community and will be remembered for her warm hospitality and her many talents. She and Fuller started Motley Dairy, and she helped with all aspects of the farm, from planting crops in bitter weather, to delivering calves, to bookkeeping, while Fuller taught school. She was the first female producer appointed to the State Milk Commission where she represented dairy farmers, and was the first female to serve on the local Chatham board of Southern States.
Sheva Church of Christ was an important part of her life: she taught Sunday School, sang in the choir, and spent her last 17 years living in the original Sheva church building that she and Fuller renovated into a beautiful home. She enjoyed designing and building houses with Mike Creasy and Murray Motley. The family's cabin brought her much joy, where she loved to fish and host many friends and family.
The family would like to thank Dr. Shah for his excellent care over the years, her caregivers Jessica Pillow, Pat Fitzgerald, and Melinda Hightower, and the wonderful staff of Danville Regional Medical Center (Sovah Health).
The family will receive friends at Sheva Church of Christ from 6-8 PM Thursday, September 28, and at other times at the family residence. The funeral and burial will be held at 2 PM Friday, also at Sheva Church of Christ. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Sheva Church of Christ, the Central India Christian Mission (indiamission.org), or the Christian Missionary Fellowship International (cmfi.org).
Colbert-Moran Funeral Home, Gretna is assisting the family. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.colbertmoran.com.