Charlene Reid Mott's Obituary
Charlene Reid Mott was born on August 28, 1940, in Heidelberg, Mississippi, to the late Charlie Reid, a respected merchant and farmer, and the late Mary Bunch Reid. She was the second youngest daughter of eight in their loving home and the last surviving sibling. Her early life was shaped by the wisdom of her grandmother, who often said, "I'm a little piece of leather, but I'm well put together." Charlene took that saying to heart and carried it like armor. Though small in stature, she knew she was crafted with intention, strength, and purpose. She paired that mantra with her favorite scripture, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me," and lived every season of her life with that conviction.
Growing up in Heidelberg, her father instilled in her a deep belief that education was the bridge to opportunity. That foundation became the compass for her life. Charlene lived with purpose, service, and a quiet determination that would open doors not only for herself but for many who watched and followed her example.
Charlene lived her faith with quiet steadiness. Never loud, never boastful, always rooted. She walked with integrity, carried herself with class, and moved through the world with a grace that could calm storms. Her manner was demure, but her convictions were fierce. When justice called, she answered; when someone needed defending, she stood firm; when truth needed a voice, she spoke in that unmistakable "Southern-lady-but-don't-play-with-me" tone that only women like her can master.
Charlene was in the inaugural graduating class of Southside High School in Heidelberg and continued her education at Jackson State College (now Jackson State University). It was there that she came fully into her own not only as a scholar, but as a freedom fighter. During the height of the Civil Rights Movement, she marched at the Mississippi State Capitol for justice and equality. She often recounted how police unleashed dogs-including a white dog named Snowball— to chase the students from the Capitol back toward Jackson State. Even in the face of intimidation, Charlene remained unshakeable. Her courage was quiet but resolute. Following the Brown v. Board of Education ruling, she understood that education would be her passport to advancement and a pathway for her community. Many of her relatives and neighbors followed her example and went on to college because she showed them it was possible.
During those years, her life took a divine turn when she met the love of her life, Willie James Mott. Their paths crossed on what seemed like an ordinary bus ride to Laurel, Mississippi, but God had already assigned purpose to that moment. That encounter blossomed into a lifetime of partnership, love, and shared commitment to service. Their wedding, held on a beautiful June day at Beaver Meadow Baptist Church, was nothing short of a fairytale. The town talked about it for months, calling it one of the most beautiful weddings they had ever witnessed. Willie James often said Charlene's love and support became the driving force behind every success he achieved in life, including his service as a deacon at New Hope Baptist Church.
Charlene would go on to continue her academic journey, earning graduate degrees from both Indiana University and Delta State University-accomplishing the rare feat of earning double master's degrees. Her career in education took her from Shibuta to Hollandale, later to Edwards, and eventually to Jackson, Mississippi. She served students with devotion across Forest Hill High School, Siwell Junior High School, and Powell Junior High School, where she ultimately retired as a school counselor. Her impact in those roles was profound and lasting.
Beyond the classroom, Charlene was a pillar of her community. She taught and counseled children in her home, at school, and through her church. She and her husband became beloved surrogate parents to students at Simmons High School, guiding, mentoring, and even providing scholarships to those who chose to attend Jackson State University. Support wasn't just something she offered—it was who she was.
Charlene and Willie James began their family in Hollandale, Mississippi, welcoming their first child, Willie James, Jr., and lovingly raising their niece, Vicki Denise Parker, as their own. Charlene was a proud and steadfast supporter of her children and grandchildren, never missing a recital, game, performance, or moment that mattered.
Charlene was the devoted mother of Willie James, Jr. and Jammieca Denise, and the cherished grandmother of Lauryn Gabrielle Mott and Autumn Hannah Mott. Beyond her own children and grandchildren, Charlene was a loving aunt and godmother to her late sister Naomi's children-Vicki, Stanley, and Cass Parker-whom she raised, guided, and nurtured as her own, embracing them with the full generosity of her spirit.
Beyond education, Charlene's service extended into the church and the community. She was an active supporter of her grandchildren's schools, serving in the PTSA for both the Byron Public Schools and Hillcrest Christian School. She was a passionate advocate for grandparents in public education and a trusted helper to countless families.
A dedicated member of New Hope Missionary Baptist Church, Charlene served faithfully as a deaconess alongside her husband. Even after Deacon Mott's passing, she continued her deaconess responsibilities, demonstrating steadfast love for her church family and her ministry until the very end.
Charlene peacefully departed this life on November 17, 2025. She leaves to cherish her memory her son, Reverend Willie James Mott, Jr.; her daughter, Dr. Jammieca Denise Mott; her granddaughters, Lauryn Gabrielle Mott and Autumn Hannah Mott; and the children she loved as her own-Vicki Denise Parker, Dr. Stanley Parker, and Dr. Cass Parker. She also leaves a host of relatives, former students, church members, and friends whose lives were touched by her grace, strength, and unwavering commitment to doing right by others.
Charlene Reid Mott lived with dignity, served with humility, and loved with purpose. Her legacy is one of courage, faith, intellect, and boundless support. Though her earthly journey is complete, the impact of her life will echo through generations.
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