A memorial service for Marilyn J. Motz, 81, was held in her honor at Bethlehem Baptist Church Tuesday, March 29.
Marilyn was born in Baldwin in 1941 to Marlow Jordan and Dolly Sigers Jordan. She was loved and inspired by her mother and remained extremely close to her siblings throughout their adult lives.
Marilyn was preceded in death by her parents, Dolly and the Reverend E.L. Aiken; her stepson, Aubrey Motz IV; granddaughter, Madison Wilbanks; and siblings, Randall Jordan and Gail (Larry) Smith.
Marilyn Motz lived an extraordinary and inspirational life. She spent most of her 81 years in Habersham County and positively affected thousands of abused children and their families through her extraordinary acts in service. Marilyn was raised in Baldwin Baptist Church and served faithfully for decades as a Sunday school teacher and director of the summer vacation Bible school program. Marilyn was a member at Bethlehem and she dearly loved the women in her Agape Sunday School class.
Marilyn graduated from South Habersham High School in 1958. She was a gifted singer, student, and athlete.
In 1960, Marilyn married Lane Wilbanks, now deceased. She was totally devoted to her two children, Marlan Wilbanks and Marcia Hubbell, and they were at the center of her life. She loved being a mother and served as a second mother to her siblings' children. After earning diplomas from the Art Institute of Atlanta and La Salle University in interior decorating, she began a career in 1978.
On May 29, 1982, Marilyn married Aubrey Motz, and her life was changed in a wonderful way. The 39 years they spent together were surely the happiest of her life. They were mutually devoted to Christ, gracefully served the needy, and inspired all who knew them. Aubrey's two children, Aubrey Motz IV, deceased, and Mona Leigh Motz of Cocoa, were welcomed additions to her family.
God, Aubrey, and her children were at the center of her life, but her legacy identifies her as a hero and role model to many. For the last 30 years, Marilyn was a warrior in the fight against child sexual abuse. She was able to overcome her childhood experiences in the most positive way possible.
She sought out and played an active role in Prevent Child Abuse Habersham (PCAH), starting as a volunteer and ultimately serving as president from 2002 to 2004. As a driving force coming to the aid of abused children, she was a major factor in the growth of PCAH from a small organization into the most active organization of its kind in the state of Georgia. Today, PCAH is known as the Family Resource Center of Northeast Georgia. Recognized by community organizations such as the Rotary Club for her service to society and the community, she was awarded the Jean Harris Award in 2007 and the Power of Prevention Award in 2011.
Marilyn's legacy extends well beyond Habersham County. The courage she exhibited in disclosing her own story and leading the fight for other victims inspired the creation of the Wilbanks Child Endangerment and Sexual Exploitation (CEASE) Clinic operated by the University of Georgia Law School. The CEASE Clinic was the first of its kind in the nation, providing free legal services to victims of child sexual abuse and trafficking victims. Additionally, Marilyn's life story played a pivotal role in charitable organizations providing support to survivors of child sexual abuse and sex trafficking such as Voice Today, now Hope Thrives. This Christ-centered organization has helped thousands of victims in Georgia and seven other states and is now working in 16 major cities across the United States. The seed planted by Marilyn in Hope Thrives will ultimately result in tens of thousands of victims being helped in 26 different locations across the United States during the next decade.
If being a Christian means loving God, loving your neighbor, and helping the needy, then Marilyn is a role model for Christianity. She turned tragedy into victory like very few people have done. She leaves an adoring family, thankful community, and a legacy that will forever benefit from her courage, passion, and love.
She is survived by her husband, Aubrey Motz; children Marlan (Diane) Wilbanks and Marcia (Paul) Hubbell; stepdaughter Mona (Mike) Motz; grandchildren, Blake (Ana) Hubbell and Lauren (Mark) Crites; great-granddaughter, Madison May Crites; siblings, Carolyn (Milton) Stewart, Shirley (Arnold) Meeks, and Donnie (Elizabeth) Jordan; 12 nieces and nephews; and 22 great-nieces and nephews.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Family Resource Center at 122 N. Laurel Drive, Clarkesville, GA 30523 or Bethlehem Baptist Church at P.O. Box 488, Clarkesville, GA 30523.
An online guest registry is available for the Motz family at HillsideMemorialChapel.com.
Arrangements by Hillside Memorial Chapel, Clarkesville.