Rev. Sophia Iana Sanders Mott

Reverend Sophia I. Mott was born on November 1, 1927, in Apopka, FL, to the late Cato W. Sanders and Ella J. Campbell Sanders. She was the seventh child of eight children. She married Robert Lee Mott, and through their union, there were seven children. Sophia attended Hungerford Prep in Eatonville, Florida. She then pursued higher education at Edward Waters University in Jacksonville, FL, where she graduated with a bachelor’s degree in business. Sophia was a valuable member of the Apopka community. She worked as a bookkeeper for many years at Phillis Wheatley Elementary-Junior-Senior High School before moving on to the Orange County School Board. She later served at both Apopka Junior High School and Apopka High School as an Occupational Specialist. After retirement, she became a minister of the gospel. Sophia's spiritual journey began at St. Paul A.M.E. Church, where her father served as a Trustee. She accepted Jesus as her personal Lord and Savior at an early age. Later, she moved to Mt. Tabor A.M.E. Church. There, Sophia served in many distinct positions and held many offices throughout the years. One of her most fulfilling positions was working with young people by playing the piano, directing the children’s choir, and organizing a children’s church. In 1989, Sophia acknowledged her call into the ministry and pursued her license to preach by attending the AME Institute for four years. In 1993, Sophia was ordained as Reverend Sophia I. Mott. She was appointed a Local Deacon in the African Methodist Episcopal Church at St Mary A.M. E Church, Osteen, Florida, while serving under the leadership of her eldest daughter, Reverend Ellen Rozier. In 1995, Reverend Sophia I. Mott was ordained as a Local Elder at St. Mary A.M.E. Church. She served as a Local Elder for 29 years under three of her children who served as pastors until her health declined. She remained a faithful member of St. Mary for 31 years until her passing. Under her ministry, she formed the G.M. (“Grandma Mott”) Singers and the G.M. Singers Next Generation. Reverend Sophia I. Mott was called home to be with the Lord on Thursday, May 23, 2024. She was preceded in death by her parents: Cato and Ella Sanders; two sisters: Katie Sanders and Ella Sanders; and five brothers: James Sanders, John Sanders, Milton Sanders, Wilfred Sanders, and Charles Sanders. She was also preceded in death by her sons: Robert Mott Jr, "Robin", Reverend Cato Mott Sr., and stepson, Bobby Mott, Sr.; two grandsons: Bobby Mott Jr. and Joshua Mott; and one great-granddaughter, Nashay Gibbs. She is survived by her four daughters: Reverend Ellen Rozier of Milford, MI, Reverend Fatha DeSue (Reverend Clarence, Jr.) of Starke, FL, Grace Fair (Joseph) of Deltona, FL, and Reverend Gloria M. Payne of Orlando, FL; as well as her daughter-in-law, Marylon Mott of Lake Mary, FL. She is also survived by 15 grandchildren, 24 great-grands, 3 great-great grands, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and sorrowing friends.

Tributes

Rev. Sophia Iana Sanders Mott

November 1, 1927 - May 23, 2024