Jewelle Lei Motley

A Celebration of Life

Jewelle Lei Motley was born in Boston MA on September 14, 1985.  She grew up in Pittsburgh, PA and graduated from Peabody High School where she was Prom and Homecoming Queen.  Jewelle additionally earned her Bachelors and Masters degrees at Slippery Rock University where she was recognized for her leadership on campus.  There, she directed the gospel choir, Chosen Generation and was involved in the Black Student Union.  She was also a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta, Inc. Joining the sorority in 2014.

Jewelle was known for her big personality and musical talent.  She studied voice and violin at an early age and continued singing into adulthood in church groups throughout Pittsburgh.  Jewelle loved serving the Lord and accepted Jesus Christ at an early age at her childhood church, Bethany Baptist Church in Pittsburgh, PA.  She was an active member and participated in everything from the youth choirs, SonShiners and Genesis, to Young Christian Conquerors.  In high school, Jewelle also traveled to Tijuana Mexico for mission trips.

She loved sports too; playing basketball and soccer in high school and watching the Pittsburgh Steelers and NBA Basketball. Jewelle loved shopping and always had the latest designer fashions and a large collection of expensive sneakers.  She liked playing bid whist too.

Jewelle is survived by her mother Julie Motley-Williams (Sidney); grandmother Cornelia Williams; sons Brett and Julian; their father Brett Smith; her father Andre' Crump; brother Dondre'; grandmother Hazel; and her aunts and uncles Dr. J. Keith Motley (Angela), Kimberly Motley-Phillips (Gonzell), Lesia Motley Hughes, Vicki; great aunts Dorothy Higgs, Maxine Holman, and Marie Nunley. cousins; Keith A. Motley, Nia Phillips, Rashaad Phillips, Sean Motley, Imani Motley, Kayla Motley, Jordan Motley, David L. Hughes, Tinika Spells, John Robinson and other family members and close friends she considered part of her extended family.

She is preceded in death by her grandfather Leandrew Williams and uncle Rev. John W. Motley III.

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