Michael Santiago Mota

NEW MARKET, AL – Michael Santiago Mota, 27, of New Market, Alabama, formerly Adrian, passed away unexpectedly on December 13, 2021. Born July 13, 1994 in Adrian, he was the son of Lewis M. Mota and Norma J. Brooks. Michael grew up in Adrian, surrounded by his loving family and friends who he held so very close to his heart, until his family relocated to Florida, and eventually settled in Alabama, where he met the love of his life and started his own family. On April 20, 2017, Michael married his high school sweetheart, Xanthia Nicole Tatum. She survives to cherish years of love, laughter, and memories. After completing high school, Michael entered the workforce. He began his career with Banner Machine, where he learned everything he could about being a Machinist. It was there that he helped to build parts for the United States Military. It was also his time there that encouraged him to further his education and began to study to become an Engineer. Michael was one of a kind, his work ethic, family values, sense of humor, unmatched determination, and his unparalleled passion to enjoy life and love anyone he met, is what has always defined him. His children were his pride and joy, he worked every day to provide them with the life he always wanted and knew they deserved. When Michael set his mind on a task or a goal, he would work tirelessly until that task or goal was completed. He taught himself how to work on cars, to the point that he was able to rebuild his prized Jeep. He loved the outdoors. hunting, fishing, camping. He had a green thumb and loved growing fruits and vegetables with his family, but the thing he loved most, was simply being surrounded by friends and family. To know Michael, was to love Michael. He always stayed in contact with everyone he loved, he would drop anything he was doing just to sit and talk with you if you needed a shoulder to lean on. When he walked in the room, all eyes were on him, because we all felt his love, and the happiness that he radiated with was always so contagious, you couldn't help but to smile and laugh when he was around. He used to always say that he wished he could be everywhere at once, to be with everyone he loved, and now he is. He is with all of us, he is a part of every person that was blessed to meet him. the mark he made on this world and the love he left in all of our hearts, will never die. In addition to his wife, Xanthia; Michael is survived by his parents, Lewis Mota, Norma Brooks, and Rachel Standifer (Thompson); children, Avyanna Garza, Michael Santiago Mota, Jr., Xavier Louie Mota, and baby #4 due very soon; grandmothers, Judith Brooks and Elsie Garcia; siblings, Sabreena (Tim) Mota-Harris, Louie Mota, Mateo Mota, Terry Trevino, Xavier Solis, Jeritte Harding, and K.C. McIntosh; aunts and uncles, Chris Brooks, Julie Brooks, Jennifer Brooks, James Mota, Michael Mota, Lisa Scott, and Theresa Newland; as well as many cousins and a large extended and loving family. Any person that knew Michael, became family. He loved being surrounded by others and accepted anyone, no matter what. Michael was preceded in death by his nephew, Riley David Liam-Solis, grandparents, Martin Garcia, Jack Brooks, and Santos Mota; and his great-grandparents, Charles and Marion Sanders. Visitation for Michael will take place on Tuesday, December 21, 2021 from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm at Wagley Funeral Home Adrian. A funeral service for Michael will begin at 1:00 pm with Rev. Larry Betz officiating. Burial will immediately follow at Oakwood Cemetery. The family suggests that memorial contributions to honor Michael be made to his wife, Xanthia and his children to help with their growing family. Online condolences and memories may be shared at www.WagleyFuneralHomes.com.

Michael Santiago Mota

July 13, 1994 - December 13, 2021