Leo Motley - Obituary

elebrating the Life of Leo Romeo Motley Leo, affectionately known as Lee, Daddy, Grand Daddy, Grandpa, and “G-Diddy”, was born in Danville, Virginia on January 12, 1915. He was the only child of Emma Motley Gant. Emma absolutely adored her Leo and just thinking about him, hearing his voice, or seeing him would make her smile. Her love for Leo was so evident that as Emma grew older and her health began to decline, she would say, “I don’t mind dying, but I just hate leaving Leo.” Leo completed his elementary and high school education in Danville. After high school, he went to Lawrenceville, Virginia to attend what was then called St. Paul Normal and Industrial School, now St. Paul College. Upon completing college, Leo entered the U.S. Army and served from 1944 to 1946. He was stationed at Camp Beale, California. While in the service, he received the Good Conduct Medal, the World War II Victory Medal, and the American Campaign Medal. While at St. Paul, he met and later married the late Edmonia P. Banks of Chatham, Virginia. To the marriage one child was born, Priscilla Carolton Motley. This marriage ended in divorce. In 1950, Leo and his family moved to Washington, DC. Leo found work with the United States Postal Service where he began his career as a machinist. After 33 years, Leo retired on December 30, 1983 from the Postal Service as the manager of the lock and key shop. His shop was responsible for manufacturing locks and keys for the Postal Service as well as making the postal carrier bags. After retiring from the Postal Service, Leo completed a class conducted by the Electronic Institute of Washington. Upon receiving his certification, he worked for many years repairing washing machines. In addition to working, Leo was an active member of the National Alliance of Postal and Federal Employees (NAPFE) and the American Legion – James Reese Europe #5. During his spare time and before he stopped driving in the early 2000’s, Leo would often take trips to Danville to visit family and friends. Keeping busy was important! In 1961, Leo married Martha Ann Silas. Martha passed away on July 31, 2012. At the time of her death, they had been married for 51 years. Leo had a great sense of humor and would often say the most clever things. People around him never knew what he would say next but we knew that it would be good! Sometimes he didn’t say anything but if you looked at him you would see his eyes twinkle and note the hint of a sly smile. He loved to read and read the new paper cover to cover every day. As his body aged, his mind didn’t. He remained sharp until the end and could engage you on politics, current events, or the neighborhood happenings. During the weeks preceding his death, Leo remained very active spending time at National Harbor; picking vegetables at the farm with his grand daughters and great grandsons; visiting Chesapeake Beach; and having lunch and dinner with family and friends. He enjoyed long rides through Southern Maryland and Washington, DC taking in the sights and often remarked how much the city had changed over the past 60 years. While he loved Washington, DC and enjoyed many years of happiness and success here, he often commented how there was no place like home, Danville, Virginia. Leo R. Motley departed this life on Saturday, September 1, 2012 at the age of 97. To continue his legacy, he leaves his daughter, Priscilla M. Yarborough; step-daughter, Barbara Jarvis; four grandchildren, Kerri Kerr (Jerome, Sr.), Kaye Wells (Corey, Sr.), Allison “Patty” Jarvis, Richard “Ricky” Jarvis, Jr.; and three great grandsons Jerome Kerr, II, Jeremy A. Kerr, and Corey A. Wells, II. Leo was loved and will be sorely missed by many.