Hazel Mae Motley

Hazel Motley was born March 3, 1930 in Baltimore, Maryland. She was the last surviving offspring of two (Rudolph Whirley and Leon Whirley) born to the late Huel Whirley and Leola Johnson. She began her life in Baltimore, and at the age of sixteen she moved to Roanoke, Virginia. Roanoke became her home for the next twenty-five years until she relocated back to Baltimore. Hazel married the late Buford C. Motley of Roanoke, Virginia in 1946. Five children (Charles, Carl, Robert, Buford and Judith) were born under this union. Hazel was preceded in death by two of her children, Robert and Charles. Moving to Laurel in the early 1990's, Hazel felt blessed to have First Baptist Church of Guilford. She joined the church and quickly became on of "regular" riders on the Senior bus. She often spoke about her bus rides and the great people and conversation she would have each Sunday. She spoke endlessly of her love for the Pastor, members of the church and her encouraging Deacons and Deaconesses. A passion of Hazel was the game of SCRABBLE. Any opportunity she had, she would engage in a game with family and friends or even by herself. It was through her that this game became quite popular on game night at her residence. In addition, family unity was extremely important to Hazel. She was the highway through which all family news would travel. Often, many relatives would ask her about members of the family just to stay updated. She was the family rock upon which the foundation was built. While absent in flesh, Hazel's joyous spirit lives on in the hearts of those who knew and loved her. She leaves to celebrate her spirit and memory: three devoted children, Carl, wife Linda, Buford, Judith and husband Vincent, Sr.,; six grandchildren, Robert, wife Marthe, Carl, Charles, wife Tobyan, Stephanie, Vincent and Leah; six great-grandchildren, Charles, Coby, Latron, Latrell, Nalah and Kiyah; cousins Louis, Elaine, Jean and Melvin. We are sure there are others that Hazel would like to list, however, due to mindset and time, they have escaped us. Together, we pray for spiritual healing, togetherness and continuous remembrances of the precious memories in the life of Hazel M. Motley.

Tributes

Hazel Mae Motley

March 3, 1930 - February 3, 2005