Barbara Ann (Wallace) Motley

Barbara Ann Wallace Motley passed away on February 11, 2026, surrounded by her loving family. Born on February 13, 1947, to H.A. and Margaret Bartlett Wallace in Cookeville, Tennessee, she is survived by her husband of 56 years, John Motley; her daughter, Leigh Ann Gunnell (Steven); and three grandsons, John, Mason, and Adam Gunnell, all of West Liberty; as well as her siblings, William Wallace (Wanda) of Hillsborough, North Carolina, Nancy Ison (Phillip) of Lee City, Kentucky, and Robert Wallace (Cheryl) of Louisville, Kentucky.

Barbara was by nature open and honest; she loved the Lord with all her heart and truly loved her neighbor as herself. Her Christian faith was foundational in her life; as a member of Prince of Peace Catholic Church in West Liberty, she ministered through music as a pianist for 35 years. Barbara’s vocation was teaching; she enjoyed providing adult education, especially preparing those who wished to test for the General Education Degree (GED). Her final years as a teacher were at Woodsbend Youth Development Center. Barbara’s most beloved occupation, however, was as a second mother and babysitter for her three grandsons, whom she adored.

Visitation is Monday, February 16, from 11:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. at Herald & Stewart & Halsey Funeral Home in West Liberty. The Requiem Mass will be held starting at 2:30 p.m. at Prince of Peace Catholic Church, 163 Pine Acres Lane, West Liberty, KY, with Father Danny Taylor, with entombment to follow at West Liberty Memorial Gardens and Mausoleum. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Christ’s Pantry, 310 Ruth Avenue, West Liberty, KY 41472.

Pallbearers include Bobby Motley, Greg Motley, Steven Gunnell, John Gunnell, Mason Gunnell, and Adam Gunnell.

Herald & Stewart & Halsey Funeral Home, West Liberty, KY.

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