ATLANTA — Carole Bailey Mott, age 71, of Americus, died Wednesday, Sept. 20, 2017, at Emory University Hospital in Atlanta, surrounded by her loving family. A native of Callahan, Fla., she was born Dec. 19, 1945, to the late James B. Bailey and Agnes B. Bailey. She grew up in Callahan, Fla., graduated from Callahan High School in 1963, and then attended Florida State University. After two years of college, she married her high school sweetheart, Paul Freeman Mott on Aug. 28, 1965, in Callahan. Upon his graduation from The University of Florida, they moved to Perry, Fla., where they lived for 15 happy years. They were active members of First Baptist Church of Perry, and served in many different capacities. While in Perry, Carole commuted to Tallahassee and finished her degree in home economics education. After graduation, she served as the Taylor County Home Economics Extension agent for nine years. In that job, she had the opportunity to impact the lives of many young people through the 4-H program.

In 1982, Carole, Paul, and their two daughters, Sheri and Lorna, moved to Americus, Ga., and joined Central Baptist Church. In addition to being an active member of Central, Carole was a member of the Americus Junior Service League and that Hat’n’Hoe Garden Club where she spent countless hours serving others and sharing her many talents and skills. She was a wonderful wife, mother, mother-in-law and grandmother. Her four very special grandchildren lovingly called her GranGran.

Survivors include her husband of 52 years, Paul Freeman Mott of Americus; two daughters: Sheri Mott Ingram (Steve) of Acworth, and Lorna Mott Riley (Paul) of Monroe; one sister, Barbara Bailey Pace (Tommy) of Tallahassee, Fla.; four grandchildren: Joshua Payne Riley, Cooper Daniel Ingram, Ellie Grace Ingram, and Sarah Elaine Riley; one niece, Shanna Pace; and one nephew, Micah Pace.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, Sept. 23, 2017, at Central Baptist Church in Americus. Dr. Bryan Myers, pastor, and the Rev. Hugh DeLoach will officiate the service. The family will receive friends at 10 a.m., one hour prior to the service in the fellowship hall at Central Baptist Church. Burial will follow at 5:30 p.m. in Live Oak Baptist Church Cemetery in Callahan, Fla., with the Rev. Stephen Wolgamott officiating. The family may also be contacted at the Mott residence, 159 Wood Valley Road, Americus, from 6-8 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 22, 2017.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the following: Phoebe-Sumter Medical Center, Oncology Department, 126 U.S. Highway 280 West, Americus GA 31719; Emory University Hospital, 8-E Bone Marrow Transplant Unit, Attn: Emily Bracewell, 1364 Clifton Road NE, Atlanta GA 30322; Live Oak Baptist Church, Cemetery Fund, 36178 Congregation Lane, Callahan FL 32011; or to Central Baptist Church, Building Fund, 190 Upper River Road, Americus GA 31709.

You may sign the online guest book and share your own special thoughts and memories by visiting www.greghancockfuneralchapel.com.

Greg Hancock Funeral Chapel is in charge of these arrangements.