Eric Benjamin Motley was born in Manhattan, NY on March 16, 1970, to the late Frank Wilson Jefferson Jr. and Gwendolyn (Motley) Burney. He departed this life for eternal rest on Sunday, June 30, 2024, at Montefiore St. Luke’s Cornwall Hospital in Newburgh, NY.
Eric graduated from Stonewall Jackson High School in Manassas, VA, and continued his education at the University of North Carolina Wilmington in Wilmington, NC.
At an early age, Eric traveled and served in ministry with his uncle, the late Great Prophet Travis Motley. During their travels, Prophet Motley had an extended crusade in Newburgh, NY where Eric met his wife of thirty-two years, Jamie Newman Motley. To that union were born five beautiful children.
Serving in ministry was one of Eric’s greatest loves. He served in ministry far and near, sick or well. There was rarely a time that Eric did not serve. God blessed him to be able to serve many great men of God in ministry and he did not take it for granted. In August of 2022, he came under the leadership of Apostle Jeffrey Woody and began Pastoring Ambassadors for Christ Bible Temple where he pastored until the Lord called him home.
Eric was also involved in the community. He took part in many events, especially those which involved young people. He worked as a counselor at the Boys and Girls Club, he also coached for the basketball teams Zion Lions and the Panthers. Eric also ran for the school board and was a Board member of the Newburgh Housing Authority.
Eric is survived by his wife, Jamie of Newburgh, NY; one daughter, Erika Tucker (Kemani) of Beacon, NY; four sons, Eric Jr. of Salt Lake City, Utah; Tradell of Lanham, Maryland; Malachi and Hezekiah of Newburgh, NY. Three brothers, Tarrence Epps of Poughkeepsie, NY, Frankie Jefferson III of Seattle, Washington; Ernest Grady Jr. of Newburgh, NY; four grandsons, Elias, Eric III, Jonah, and Ian; Two Godchildren, Andre Rayford Jr. and Terrinashjae Burden and a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
He was preceded in death by his father Frank Wilson Jefferson Jr. and mother, Gwendolyn
(Motley) Burney.