Clenora Rebecca Bass Motley

Life Reflections
Clenora Rebecca Bass Motley

Clenora Rebecca Bass Motley passed away quietly in her home on Thursday, June 18, 2026, at the age of 97. Clenora was the youngest born on May 15, 1929 to the late Joel V. and Lucymae Caroline Bass in Hardeman County, Tennessee. Clenora's siblings in this union were Rev. Percy Lee Bass (Magalean) and Christene Savannah Bass White (Dave), both preceded her in death.

She was married to the late Ernest Lenwood Motley where they resided in St. Louis, Missouri. Between this union were two daughters, Carolyn Wilbert (Leonard) and Doris "Lisa" Ann Kerr (Mark) who both preceded her in death. Special mention to loving nephew, Lenwood 'T.C.' Motley who also preceded her in death.

Clenora attended Howard University and later completed her formal education at Lane College in Jackson, Tennessee. She was a member of the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. She became an educator and served in her community to empower young minds. She also worked for Frontenac Cleaners for over 50 years as a master seamstress and service personnel and later worked for Marquard's Cleaners.

Clenora was brought up in the faith as her father was a pastor where she and her sister sang at many services. She later was baptized as one of Jehovah's Witnesses.

Clenora was known to have a great sense of humor, and she loved to watch sports. She enjoyed sewing, singing, cooking, studying the Bible, and mostly being with her family.

She is survived by her three grandchildren, Lisa Williams (Tracy), Candace Wilbert, and Kore Wilbert; nieces and nephews: Yvonne McKinney (Raymond), Beverly Wilson (Leander), Joel White, Loretta Martin, Rosemary Winbush (Wyman), Clinton White, Elvis White (Lolita), Freddie Bass, Freddie 'Toosie' Motley, Kathleen Motley, Delphine Motley, and others; nine great grandchildren and a host of grand and great nieces and nephews, cousins, and friends.

Our beloved Clenora will be deeply missed and forever remembered by all who knew and loved her.

The family would like to thank caregivers, friends, medical teams, and others for their support, love, and care.

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