Bernice C. Motley

Bernice Colbert Motley "Red"

Bernice Colbert Motley, affectionately known as “Red,” was born on January 31, 1941, in Drew, Mississippi, to the union of Arie Gee Colbert and Richard Colbert. She was one of twelve children born to this union.

The family moved from Carthage, Mississippi, to Toledo, Ohio, where Bernice attended Jesup W. Scott High School. It was there she met the love of her life, John Henry Motley III. After her graduation in 1959 they married and built a beautiful life together. Their union was blessed with four children: John Henry Motley IV, Van Lear Motley, Isa Nicole Wyatt, and Francine Evette Motley.

Bernice was raised on Toledo’s north side. The family worshipped at New Light Baptist Church, where she committed her life to God at a young age, under the leadership of the late Rev. C. T. Rucker. Her spiritual journey continued throughout her life as she became a devoted member of St. James Holiness Church of God in Christ under the leadership of the late Bishop William James. Most recently, she worshipped at Rock of Praise Church of God in Christ, where her faith remained steadfast.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of nearly 46 years, John Henry Motley III; her son, Van Lear Motley; her parents, Richard and Arie Colbert; her brothers, Jack and Harold Colbert; and her sisters, Maude Boyd, Callie Elam, Vera Garmon, Bessie Riley, Gussie Robinson, and Veronica Webb.

Left to cherish her memory are her children: John Henry Motley IV, Isa Nicole Wyatt (Demetrius), and Francine Motley; her godson, Edward Colbert Jr.; her grandchildren: John Henry Motley V, Martina Faye Motley, Justin Rayshon Motley, Van-Nessa Lynn Motley, DaVon Joshua Motley, LaChe’ Dominique McCall Motley (her devoted caregiver and nurse for the past eight months), and Jaron Henry Motley; nine great-grandchildren; her brother, Edward Colbert Sr. (Dorothy); sisters, Pearl Furr and Betty Jean Darrington; special niece, Heather Lynn Colbert; and a host of loving family and friends.

Celebrating the Life of Bernice C. Motley Services will be held on Saturday, May 31, 2025, at Rock of Praise Church of God in Christ 1632 North Cove Boulevard, Toledo, Ohio 43606

Family Hour: 10:00 a.m. Funeral Service: 11:00 a.m.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to the dedicated care teams who supported Bernice throughout her health journey. Special thanks to Dr. Paul and the Hospice of Northwest Ohio team—especially her nurse, Lysa—the compassionate staff at the Sylvania facility, the team at the Rehabilitation Hospital of Northwest Ohio, and the caregivers at Kingston in Perrysburg.

Bernice’s life was a shining example of faith, love, and compassion. She will be missed dearly but remembered always.