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.
07/14/2024
Roshelle
To the entire Motley family, I am truly sorry for your loss. All I know of Eric, is that he was always a pleasant young man. He loved the Lord, his wife, kids, and his community. I think you did an awesome job my friend. Your story has a been completed here on Earth, but your legacy remains. I'm proud to say I've only known you to live for the Lord and that alone is AMAZING and a gift to GOD! Thank you for showing our community dedication, love, strength and faith. May you now rest in peace. I picked the white candle for you, because I believe that you truly lived a life that was bright and shining. Amen! 🙏🏽🙌🏽🙏🏽 Roshelle Grant
07/13/2024
Ianthe Dehaney
Deepest Condolences On Your loss You were a great person and father .Rest in Paradise 🕊️🕊️
07/13/2024
Micah and Denise Melvin
My sincere and deepest condolences go out to the family. Rest in Paradise. ❤️ 🙏. Micah and Denise Melvin
07/13/2024
Micah and Denise Melvin
07/13/2024
Dewey Tom
You Ran a Great race You lived wht God called you to do now he has called you home to rest Love u cuzzo #SIP
07/13/2024
Cynthia Cooper
May God give you the Comfort and Strength doing this time of transition of your husband father grandfather and friend. Eric was Great man of God when we was together at The Life Chapel of Newburgh.Take your Rest and I will see you in the Morning.
07/12/2024
Decarius McClearn
Elder Motley was like a big brother to me in ministry. I was always inspired by how he served even when his health was failing. I am honored and privileged to have with such a zeal of the Lord and a heart for his people. I will miss him dearly.
07/12/2024
Faith
Take your rest Uncle Eric you will be missed by many.
07/12/2024
Ken Cummings
My deepest condolences to the Motley family. Motley was not only my friend I was his barber and his sons my guy right here.We share many real life stories. He always reminded me when I was coach for the Zion lions I passed the torch orver to him. My brother will be missed love you bro Kendew.... GOD BLESS 🙌
07/12/2024
Corey LaMount
I LOVE Eric immensely. He will be sorely missed. He was a Giant amongst many men. A pillar of the City of Newburgh. I will cherish the memories and he will never be forgotten as long as we honor his legacy. Thank You GOD, for your wonderful creation of my Brother, Pastor Eric Motley.
07/12/2024
Damon Corprew
My condolences to the Motley Family my prayer is with you. Pastor Eric was a good man. Me and Eric ran track together at Stone Wall Middle and Stone Wall HS. Going to really miss you cousin. 🙏🏿❤️😇
07/12/2024
Wanda Autry- Quinn
Motley family,Our condolences . I pray God will give you all comfort during this difficult time 🙏🏼
07/12/2024
Wanda Autry- Quinn
07/10/2024
Ray Watkins
My condolences to the Motley family during this time. May God comfort you and keep you until you meet again. May you rest in eternal peace.
07/10/2024
Vanessa Roberts
The Motley Family, so sorry to hear of Pastor Eric's passing. May God be with you during this difficult time.
Click a candle below to add a candle to your message.
Modal body text goes here.
To leave a condolence message, add photos, or add videos, please provide your name and email address
Beyond Grief: Nurturing Hearts, Embracing Life’s Joys, and Illuminating Paths of Healing and
Celebration with Resilience and Compassion