Cheston “Chet” Vaux Mottershead
November 9, 1936 ~ September 26, 2013
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Cheston Vaux “Chet” Mottershead, Junior, passed away on September 26, 2013 at his home in Rocky Mount, NC. He was born on November 9, 1936, to the late Cheston V. Mottershead, Senior, and Caroline Wichterman Mottershead. He was preceded in death by his brother, John Mottershead.
Chets father retired from the US Marine Corps and Chet spent his early years living in Philadelphia, PA, and Camp Lejeune, NC. He graduated from Lejeune High School. Chet attended Duke University, where he was a member of the Duke Glee Club. Being a member of the Duke Glee Club and singing in the Chapel Choir instilled a love of music. As President of the Glee Club he learned about people, leadership and cooperation.
After graduating from Duke University in 1959 with a degree in chemistry, he was commissioned a Second Lieutenant in the US Marine Corps through the Navy ROTC program. After Basic School in Quantico, VA, he was stationed in Okinawa, Japan. Initially, he was Platoon Commander of the construction platoon responsible for building and repairing Quonset huts on the base; he later transferred within the battalion to become Training Officer of the engineering battalion. In May of 1961, he and his commanding officer went to inspect the artillery missile sites at the south end of the island. On the way back to the base the Army helicopter they were traveling in crashed.
Chet was sent to the Philadelphia Naval Hospital, where he recovered from the injuries sustained in the helicopter crash with the help of the medical staff, his family, and his friends. He began dating Rochelle “Riki” Dahl, a Navy nurse and in 1964 they wed in her hometown of Mabel, MN. The couple lived in Champaign, IL until Chet received his graduate degree in history from the University of Illinois in 1967. They then moved to Rocky Mount, NC where Chet was a history professor at NC Wesleyan College for five years.
Chets personal and professional mission was to dismantle the architectural, transportation, employment and attitudinal barriers faced by disabled people. In 1974, he took a position at Tri-County Industries (TCI), a work-oriented rehabilitation center; in 1976 he was appointed President. Chets advocacy at the local and national level was instrumental in improving the lives of disabled and disadvantaged people. In 1977, he was elected President of the NC Rehabilitation Association. From 1980-1983, he was Chair of the NC Task Force for the International Year of Disabled Persons, which provided impetus for the passage of the groundbreaking Americans with Disabilities Act legislation. In 1992 Gov. Jim Martin appointed him Executive Director of the Governors Advocacy Council for Persons with Disabilities, and then by Gov. Jim Hunt a year later. Chet was an active board member of the NC Center for Non-Profits.
In addition to these accomplishments, Chet also earned a Certificate from the Executive Program at UNC-CH and was granted an Honorary Doctorate of Law from NC Wesleyan College. He was a recipient of the Order of the Long Leaf Pine by Gov. Jim Hunt. Long active in Democratic politics, he was a state delegate to the Democratic National Convention in 1984.
Chet began attending the Episcopal Church as a youth, and was an active member of the Church of the Good Shepherd in Rocky Mount for over 40 years. Chets passions there were the choir and the outreach program. He was Senior Warden three times, facilitated the addition of a new wing to the church, and helped establish a soup kitchen and shelter to serve homeless people. The Bishop appointed him Chair of the Christian Social Ministries of the Diocese. After his retirement from TCI, Chet helped found the Tar River Mission Clinic, which provides free medical services for those in need.
Chets family loved him as he loved them. He was proud of them. He provided a shining example of integrity. His encouragement, patience and counsel were constant. He is survived by his wife, Rochelle “Riki”, and their four children: Cheston and his wife Lynda, Pearce, Brenna Bennett and husband Rick, and Cara. He is also survived by five grandchildren: Emily Bennett, and Alexandra, Sidney, Adam, and Kennan Mottershead, and by his mother-in-law, Edna Brenna Dahl.
Services will be held at the Church of the Good Shepherd in Rocky Mount, NC on Monday, September 30, 2013 at 2:00 pm. A reception will follow the service in the church parish hall.
In lieu of flowers, please consider contributing to the Outreach Commission of the Church of the Good Shepherd, 231 N Church St. Rocky Mount, 27804, TCI, 1250 Atlantic Ave, Rocky Mount, 27801, or Friends of Hospice, Nash General Hospital, 2460 Curtis Ellis Dr., Rocky Mount, 27804.
Arrangements entrusted to Wheeler and Woodlief Funeral Home, 1130 N. Winstead Avenue, Rocky Mount NC 27804. You may share memories and condolences with the family by visiting www.wheelerwoodlief.com.
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Church of the Good Shepherd Episcopal Church
231 N. Church Street
Rocky Mount, NC 27804
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Monday 9/30, 2:00 pm
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Please accept our deepest condolences for your family’s loss.
I will miss Mr. Mottershead very much. He had a profoundly positive impact on my life. So much so, it is hard to summarize in words. He was a dear friend and mentor. A shining example of God’s love in this world. I will miss him dearly.
Chet and I were Second Lieutenants together in the United States Marine Corps. We served together in the 3rd Pioneer Battalion, 3rd Marine Division in 196061 at Camp Koza, Okinawa, Japan. Chet and I quartered in the same quonset hut at Camp Koza and shared many assignments and experiences together, which lead to a lifelong friendship. Chet was seriously injured in a tragic helicopter crash and returned to the United States for treatment. Chet was a superb Marine and a true faithful Marine all his life. Chet gave real meaning to the Marine Corps motto Semper Fidelis . Always Faithful. Chet and I would reconnect in later years and my wife, Jan, and I were privileged to meet his wife, Riki and their children. We send our sincere sympathy to the family at this sad time. Richard (retired Marine) and Jan Huckaby
I met Chet when directing Duke University’s Certificate Program in Nonprofit Management. Chet was a Site Coordinator for the Rocky Mount, Wilson, Greensboro area. Many classes were held at TCI, a place that sparkled under Chet’s leadership. As we were both veterans, we shared some history. We met and talked many times, and he was always working to improve the world. He also taught me a great deal about understanding the challenges of persons with disabilities. (Don, I am not confined to a wheelchair. I use it from time to time.) Chet had a wonderful sense of humor and a deep commitment to his church and its outreach to those in need. I have lost a friend who was an inspiration, one who challenged me and one who laughed with me. He was a gift to the world. His was a life well lived! Don Wells
Chet was and is a big part of my life’s history. He and Ernie Denty hired me at TCI when I was but 22 years old and a Navy veteran still in the active reserves. Through his leadership and mentoring I developed a love for persons with disabilities and made TCI my profession (still there going on 37 years). He will always hold a place in my heart both professionally and personally. I will miss him. Rest in peace Chet, may the Lord be with you. Janice (Jan) Joyner
I am so sorry to hear of Mr. Mottershead’s passing. I worked for Tri-County in the early 1980’s and he was truly an inspiration to me. A remarkable man that left a lasting impression on me. May he rest in peace and may the family be comforted.
After his accident and during the convalescence, Chet spent many weekends with us. On at least two occasions, he voiced the question why was I spared (Not what one would expect why did this happen to me) He answered that question with his life – a stalwart champion for the disabled, a man of integrity, honesty, courage, strength, and faith, whose vocabulary did not include I can’t, I’m disabled; but I’m disabled – so what The best way to honor him is to let the positive dominate. Art Hunsley (Friend of 55 years)
I attended school with Cara at RMA and remember Mr. Mottershead as a man full of the joy of Jesus. Our Boy Scout Troop 11 used to meet in the old basementhomeless shelter on Wednesday nights of Good Shepherd Church. I fondly remember myself and some of the other boys always enjoying the opportunity to pick up Mr. Mottershead in his chair and carry him up the back steps to choir practice. He always appreciated us and I think those interactions with him planted the seeds in all those boys’ lives to keep helping others out of our Christian faith, common good, and as a witness. God bless you all. – Will Hoyle
I met Chet years ago around 1975. This man turned my life around and opened doors for me that I never knew could be open. He got me my first job at Schlage Lock and got me started representing people with disabilities. He not only became my mentor but one of the greatest friends I ever had. Rip my friend.
I met Chet years ago around 1975. This man turned my life around and opened doors for me that I never knew could be open. He got me my first job at Schlage Lock and got me started representing people with disabilities. He not only became my mentor but one of the greatest friends I ever had. Rip my friend.
My thoughts and prayers are with the family.Mr. Mottershead was a true hero to his family and this nation. Someone who served his country and helped those who were less fortunate……..signed by Eddie Sanders
I first met Chet as a professor at NC Wesleyan, then knew Riki in AAUW. This was in the late 1960s and my name then was Joyce Barbare. They were both wonderful people and I felt blessed to call them friends. We haven’t been in touch in decades because I’ve live in RaleighCary since 1976, but I’m glad I saw the obituary in the N&O so I can send my greetings and sympathies to Riki and the family. Joyce Gad
Chet was an inspiration to me and to all who knew him. We first met at The Executive Program at UNC-CH and spent what little spare time we had discussing the program and life in general. We also discussed politics and because we were of the same persuasion, they were usually easy and fruitful discussions. Over the years, we talked on the phone and saw each other when he and Riki came to Atlanta. I also enjoyed the yearly Christmas letters detailing the proud accomplishments of he, Riki and the family. Chet will be missed but he left a beautiful legacy for all to follow. Thanks Chet – we’ll miss you. With Love, Nat and Jeanette Tieman
Chet was an incredible man. He inspired me to try and live life with grace, dignity, and a nod to the positive. His great love for his family and his perspective on this crazy world are things that will resonate with those who knew him for generations. I feel honored and priveleged to have known him and shared some time in his presence. He made us all feel like family with his generousity and kindness. Our deepest sympathies to Rickie and the rest of the family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Mike, Meg, Claire and Grace Kerr
In 1958, I was a Junior at Duke University, active in all things musical, including the Chapel Choir and the Men’s Glee Club. That year, I was more than happy to vote for Chet, a Senior, in his election as President of the Glee Club. He went on to the Marines, I to the USAF; I am sad that I lost track of him, because the fine young man he was then was obviously just a foretaste of the great man he was to become.
Of all the men I ever knew, Chet Mottershead stands head and shoulders above most for his humanity, integrity, generosity and for being a loving man. When I lived in Rocky Mount he and his family lived the next block over. He picked me up on choir practice night at Church of the Good Shepherd. I have such fond memories of our rides to and from and the conversations we had. I loved him and his family. Rikki is a magnificent person and is an example to all of how to be a wonderful wife and mother. Chet was well cared for and loved. Their daughter Brenna is like a daughter to me and I will love her always. Chet will always be in my heart as one of most special persons I have ever known. I feel so fortunate to have known him and his family. God Bless you Chet in heaven. I look forward to seeing you there some day.
I worked with Chet at the Governor’s Advocacy Council for Persons with Disabilities. I was struck by the comment in the Obituary describing him as a shining example of integrity for indeed that was so true. He was an honest and fair person and an individual of the highest moral principles. Certainly all who the great fortune to know him and certainly work with him were better individuals for that relation. My warmest sympathy to the family. God Bless. Butch Elkins
I didn’t have the distinct privilege to know Chet Mottershead in person. We were neighbors friends with Chet, the younger, and family in Cary, and only knew of Dad Mottershead. After reading the many accomplishments of Dad Mottershead, I know very much about him a man who served his country, his family, his church and his God throughout his lifetime. Thank you Dad for your bravery, and integrity for serving so many for so long. Janet Conner, Wishaw Ct. Cary.
Hi, Please accept my deepest condolences for the loss of your husband, father, and grandfather. I was struck to read in his obituary that his time in the Duke Glee Club and the Duke Chapel Choir were so formative for him. As the conductor of both the Chapel Choir and the Chorale (which was created from the Men’s and Women’s Glee Clubs), I frequently hear from choir alumni that singing at Duke was the highlight of their years at Duke. It is deeply satisfying to read that he found it not only enjoyable but helpful for the development of many leadership and personal skills. I had the pleasure of meeting Chet at a reunion at Duke Chapel some years ago, and I found him to be full of immense energy, determination, and personal warmth. I share your feelings of loss, and I bring to you the sympathy of the entire Duke Chapel staff. Rodney Wynkoop
The Bible promises that those who have died will be resurrected to a paradise earth. (John 528,29) Communicate your feeling, Kind words will cheer you up. (Prov. 1225) Keeping your feeling bottled up inside may make it difficult for you to deal with your grief. On the other hand, discussing your feelings with someone you trust will open the way for you to receive kind words of encouragement when you need it most. God will wipe out every tear from their eyes, & death will be no more, neither will mourning nor outcry nor pain be anymore. The former things have passed away. (Rev. 214) Talk to God. Likely, you will feel much better after you pour out your heart to Jehovah God in prayer. (Ps. 628) This is not simply a feel-good therapy. In prayer, you are appealing to the God of all comfort, who comfort us in all our tribulation. (2 Cor. 13,4) By these following scriptures. Ps. 3418; Ps. 10217; Ps. 1473; Isaiah 258. It is my hope that some of these will help you, as they did for me. giving, hope to see our loved ones once again
Lit a candle in memory of Cheston Chet Vaux Mottershead