Clara Jean (Swerking) Motter

Clara Jean (Swerking) Motter, 100, formerly of Warwick, passed away on Thursday, January 23, 2025. She was the loving wife of the late Rev. Dr. W. Eugene Motter. Born in Dayton, OH, she was the daughter of the late Edward F. and Clara (Gruebmeyer) Swerking.

Clara graduated Cum Laude from the University of Rhode Island and attended the Gordon Theological School. She was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother and worked as the Secretary for the RI State Council of Churches until her retirement.  Clara’s faith was important to her. A devout Baptist, Clara was a parishioner of Warwick Central Baptist Church in Apponaug and a member of the American Baptist Churches of Rhode Island. She served in various capacities at Warwick Central Baptist as a member of the Choir and Board of Deacons, the President of the Women’s Council, and Chairperson of the Women’s Circle. Clara was also a volunteer with the West Bay Caregivers and South Providence Neighborhood Ministries.

Clara was an avid traveler.  She accompanied Gene on trips to Southeast Asia and Thailand.  After Gene’s death in 1982, Clara continued to travel, going on ten international trips to locations including Israel and Austria, and also took part in twenty Elder Hostel trips.  On these excursions, she took plenty of pictures and created beautiful slides and presentations accompanied by scripture and poetry which she shared with various groups.

She is survived by her beloved children, Patricia Anne Motter Aswad (Richard) of Nahant, MA and Paul Eugene Motter (Melanie) of West Suffield, CT, her grandchildren, Olivia Aswad and Valerie Motter, and many devoted friends who were an integral part of her life. 

She was the sister of the late Edith Swerking, Laveda Biery, and Janet Armstrong.

The family would like to extend heartfelt thanks to the staff at John Clarke Senior Living Nursing Center in Middletown, RI for their excellent care and love. Thanks also to Hope Hospice of Providence, RI for their compassionate care.

Her Funeral Service will be held on Saturday, March 15, 2025 at 2:00PM at Warwick Central Baptist Church, 3270 Post Road, Warwick.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to: Warwick Central Baptist Church, 3270 Post Road, Warwick, RI 02886.

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