Sybil Maddox Mott

Sybil Maddox Mott passed away September 19th, 2023 at the age of 91.

Born on December 30, 1931, in Birmingham, Alabama, she was the cherished daughter of the late Gaddis P. Maddox and Celia Parker Morrow Maddox.

Upon relocating to Selma, AL, she graduated from Albert G. Parrish High School in 1950 as a member of the National Honor Society. During her collegiate years at Auburn University, formerly Alabama Polytechnic Institute, she was proudly affiliated with the Phi Mu sorority. In 1952, she married her beloved husband, Bill, marking the beginning of what would soon become a large and affectionate family. 

Throughout her life, Sybil held various part-time positions, but her heart truly belonged to serving the Lord with her First Baptist Church family. As ‘Granny’ to her seventeen grand and great-grandchildren, every Sunday became an anticipated feast as she lovingly prepared meals for her family after church; an event that was the envy of many in the community. Known for her hospitality, Sybil's home was a haven for any seeking a hot meal or company. She had a passion for gardening and loved watching the birds that flocked to her yard to enjoy its beauty. Never one to be critical of a soul, she was the rock that held her family together with a strong unyielding faith.

A verse from Proverbs 31:25-31 beautifully captures her spirit:

“She is clothed with strength and dignity, and she laughs without fear of the future. When she speaks, her words are wise, and she gives instructions with kindness. She carefully watches everything in her household and suffers nothing from laziness. Her children stand and bless her. Her husband praises her: “There are many virtuous and capable women in the world, but you surpass them all!” Charm is deceptive, and beauty does not last; but a woman who fears the Lord will be greatly praised. Reward her for all she has done. Let her deeds publicly declare her praise.”

Sybil joins her loving husband of 67 years, William Earl Mott, Sr. and her parents Gaddis P. Maddox and Celia Parker Morrow Maddox.  Her memory lives on through her sister Mary Ann Norris; son Bud (Carol) Mott, daughter Becky (Bill) Hardy, son Britt (Margaret) Mott, and daughter Beth Mott; grandsons Beau (Cat) Sommerville, Ben Sommerville, Brian Sommerville; granddaughters Amy (Ryan) Piper, Avery (Brandon) Horton, Laura Cameron (William) Murphy, Elizabeth (Ashley) Bowers; great-grandsons Crawford Piper, Rhett Piper, Brittian Murphy, Bradley Bowers, Willie Sommerville, and Tucker Horton; great-granddaughters Mary Kelley Murphy, Anne Russell Bowers, Adalynn Grace Bowers, and Evie Sommerville; nephews Chet Norris and Clint (Dori) Norris; great-niece Maddox Norris; and her cherished grand-dog, Aubie.

Visitation is scheduled for Friday, September 22, 2023, at 1:00 p.m. at the Maverick Social Hall of First Baptist Church of Selma. Funeral services will commence at 2:00 p.m. in the church sanctuary, officiated by Rev. Lee Tate, with arrangements by Lawrence Brown-Service Funeral Home. A private interment at New Live Oak Cemetery will precede the visitation.

Pallbearers will be Beau Sommerville, Ben Sommerville, Brian Sommerville, Ryan Piper, William Murphy, Ashley Bowers, and Brandon Horton.

Memorial contributions can be made to First Baptist Church Missions or Children’s Ministry.

The family wishes to extend their deepest gratitude to her dedicated caregivers and the professional staff of Southland Nursing Home.