Reflections
When a life ends, it may be referred to as the final chapter of a book or perhaps a precious rose picked from the garden. I’d like to consider my life as the theme and chorus of a song that had been chosen to bear only my name, “Loys”. A one-of-a-kind song with its own “special” sound, because no two people can be the same. A song written in its own tone and key reflecting a note that formed a loving and lasting melody entitled “Family and Friends”. — Loys Jean Moore
She Will be Called… One day a promise was made to the young Loys Jean (Parson) Tabb, during a revival service that a little baby girl would be named after her. And so in the year of 1955 on the 23rd day of May, in Saint Louis, Missouri, a beautiful bouncing baby girl, Loys Jean Moore, was born. She was the second child of three children born to the happy marriage of Roxalana (McCoy) and Lemuel Nathaniel Moore, Sr. Loys received her primary education at the Gundlock School in the City of St. Louis and McKinley School of Normandy, Missouri. She attended Normandy Jr. High and Normandy High School until her senior year at which time she transferred to the North County Technical School. There she graduated with honors specializing in Business and Office Education. While receiving this training, she gained experience working part-time as a Data Entry Operator with major corporations such as Schnucks Supermarket General Office, Emerson Electric, Ventures Stores, Central Medical Center, and Comprehensive Hospital.
The Epitome of Motherhood… On July 24, 1973, to William J. Bayless and Loys, Monica LaVerne was born. This baby girl became the pride and joy of this new mom’s life. Loys was very thoughtful in deciding the perfect name for her daughter. In fact, Loys loved this child so much that she wanted her daughter to have her same initials choosing “ML” to compliment her “LM.” Ultimately, she chose the name Monica, which means a beacon of strength, stands tall with authority, offers great advice to those in need, listens to the ideas of others, enjoys the fulfillment of a job well done, and gives her opinion freely. Loys would soon discover that the name accurately described her daughter. Loys was a loving, devoted and caring mother who could often be found doubling as Monica’s outstanding “mom-mager”. She wholeheartedly supported her daughter’s hopes and dreams. She sacrificed and invested much of her life to ensure that Monica would become the person God designed her to be. All who knew them witnessed an amazing bond shared between the two. Their time together over the years created many special memories. One of Loys’ fondest memories was traveling to Europe to accompany Monica while she was on tour. She was peacock proud that her baby girl grew up to become a beautiful woman, an outstanding Minister of the Gospel, an amazingly devoted wife and mom, an anointed vocalist, and a faithful loving daughter who persevered to the very end with her mother.
Monica was not the only recipient of Loys’ outpouring of nurture and love. She became “Mom” to many other young girls and boys. Her influence and role modeling helped to shape each of them into women and men…they too are forever grateful for God’s gift of “Mama” Loys. In 1973, two additional blessings came into her life. While working at Sverdrup Engineering and Architectural Firm, she met a charming, handsome, widower and single father, Robert L. Thompson. His three-year old daughter, Cheneé, would soon become her other child who was raised as Monica’s sister. On April 27, 2002, Loys’ family continued to grow. This time the addition was a new son, Danté R. Quick. Of Danté she writes, “We’ve shared some serious moments, but also a lot of laughs and crab legs. I truly believe he loved me. He was my partner in crime when it came to Monica. We both tried to have each other’s back when one of us upset Monica.” Loys could often be heard telling others how he treated her like she was his own mother. She was proud and thankful to call him son! Loys was also blessed significantly when she became a grandmother. Chenee’s sons, Jalen and Little Phil of Nashville, Tennessee, affectionately called her “Granny”. Even at a young age Jalen enjoyed spending time with Granny, especially his summers because of the adventures and fun. To her other pride and joy, Alexander and Kennedy, she was known as “Nana”. Of Alexander she writes, “Handsome and loving! He is a huge fan of President Obama and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Alexander is definitely smart enough to become another U.S. President of color.” The two of them could often be found playing and hanging together. Loys always loved the name Danielle (she was a lover of the Danielle Steel movies) and when given the privilege of naming her only granddaughter she named her, Kennedy Danielle. She says of Kennedy, “Adorable!! She is an upcoming Queen of Soul, R/B, Pop and Gospel. The girl loves music just like her mom and big brother.” Alexander and Kennedy loved their “Nana” dearly.
What happens to a man is less significant than what happens within him. — Louis L. Mann
Gifts Making Room… All who knew Loys could testify that she definitely was exceptional in
the home and on the job. In early 1978, Loys was offered a position at Missouri Pacific Railroad. In August of that same year, she was hired at Unilever (formerly known as Lever Brothers) where she remained until the company relocated to Baltimore in 1999. At Unilever she worked in many capacities including Maintenance Clerk, Computer Operator, Engineering Secretary, Payroll Clerk, and Accounting Auditor. In October 1993, she was hired part-time at the Edison AIRPARK to handle their account billing. She also worked briefly with Triple A Homecare. Loys had an excellent work ethic. She was a highly valued, loyal, dedicated professional, and an energetic leader who was also a warm and “true” friend to all of her co-workers. Loys was blessed to become life-long friends with many with whom she worked.
A Helping Hand… With a successful accounting career behind her, she recognized a desire to no longer work for another corporation. However, hard work was still ahead. In 2003, Loys’ entrepreneurial spirit and passion for helping others resulted in her own home health care agency, Choice Community Care, Inc. in East St. Louis, Illinois, where she served as CEO. Loys was determined to care for the underserved residents of the city by providing quality medical services. Because of her concern for the health and wellness of people in her community, she became a part of the Witness Project, Greater St. Louis team, which conducts Breast & Cervical Cancer Education. Later, Loys partnered with and became an Ambassador for the American Heart Association. As part of the Heart Association, Loys had the distinct honor of accompanying Dr. Bobby Jones (of BET) and other celebrities during the Power to End Stroke Health Fairs and Gospel Tours. She was a dedicated member of the Greater East St. Louis Consortium, which is an alliance of community health and social services. They are dedicated to ensuring that the residents of the Greater East St. Louis region have access to quality services and healthcare.
A Touch of Class… Loys was a true perfectionist and a wonderful organizer with a keen attention to details. She had a gift for turning the ordinary into the extraordinary. Her touch of class brought about huge successes for many endeavors. She was called upon (from far and near) to lend her expertise in planning for numerous church functions, concerts, recordings, workshops, weddings, parties, and events.
There is no legacy as rich as integrity. — Unknown
In addition to her event planning skills, Loys was known for her quick sense of humor (a true comedian), fashionable style (she was the shoe lady), greeting cards (just call her Ms. Hallmark), and oh yes, Ms. Paparazzi, let’s not forget her camera (photography was her real passion). In 2010, she started a photography and event planning business called “Pictures and Moore.” Her motto was “A great IMAGE for the rest of our life.” She was a collector of stamps and, in her spare time, enjoyed shopping and creative writing. Loys belonged to several social clubs. She was one of the three original members of the Love Unlimited Social Club. This club took St. Louis by storm and was well known in the community for hosting numerous fund-raisers and monthly birthday parties. She was also a member of the St. Louis Dream Team Investment Club.
Faith, Family & Friends… Loys was raised in and joined the Community Mission Church of God in Christ in December 1966, where her father, the Late Bishop Lemuel N. Moore, Sr., served as Pastor. While she always had a solid spiritual foundation, it wasn’t until December 1996, that Loys rededicated her life to the Lord, confessed a hope in Christ, and accepted Jesus as her “personal” Savior. She developed and maintained a profound faith, which sustained her throughout the years, particularly during her illness. It was her devotion to God and understanding of Christ’s mission while on earth that propelled her “unofficial” call to ministry in the form of helping and serving others no matter what the cost. Her first “unofficial” sermon was given in September 2006, at Community Mission’s Annual Women’s Conference. The theme, “Fruit of the Spirit”, was an easy topic for her to speak on because Loys had tried to exemplify them all in her everyday life. After her father’s demise, she faithfully attended, served, and assisted The Church of East St. Louis in numerous capacities under the pastorate of her brother, Bishop Lemuel N. Moore II. Loys participated in the choir, chaired several annual day committees, was the originator of the church bulletin and newsletter, worked on the office staff, and served as the church’s Executive Secretary to the Pastor. She shared unselfishly of her numerous talents and skills, tirelessly extending assistance whenever and wherever needed, fulfilling many noteworthy achievements. As Ruth tended to Naomi, “Where you go, I will go; where you lodge, I will lodge; your people shall be my people, and your God my God.” (Ruth 1:16b), so Loys loved and cared for her dear mother, Mother Roxalana Moore. This union was unwavering, and Loys made an excellent companion for her mother. She was a devoted daughter who whole-heartedly supported Mother Moore as the Supervisor of Women of the Illinois Southeast Jurisdiction of the Churches of God in Christ. Loys was a favorite among the Women’s Department, always providing fun and games for their meetings and lending her expertise whenever and wherever possible. As mutuality personified this relationship, Mother Moore supported Loys in her business venture and during Loys’ illness Mother Moore made frequent trips to visit and tenderly cared for her “baby girl”. Faith and family were twin cousins in the life of Loys. This could be seen at its best in her relationship with her siblings. Not only was she extremely proud of her pastor/brother, but his ministry extended to her during her illness in the Bay Area. During his time with her, they shared prayer and reflection on God’s healing power. Loys enjoyed a special relationship with her only sister, Jackie. Both had a deep and abiding love for good preaching and could often be heard exchanging sermon titles. This love found no limits in distance as Jackie traveled nearly biweekly to care for her sister. If a friend is worth more than gold, Loys was rich beyond imagination. Her caring and gentle nature made befriending her easy. Loys maintained friendships with people from every segment of her life and she cherished them all. There are more people than can be named, yet Loys found particular joy in them all. During her illness, her friends, particularly Pastor Norma Brooks and Michelle Walker, were human bridges between her life in California and her life in St. Louis.
Life, like laughter and love, is best when shared. — Unknown
The Order of
Worship
Bishop Henry Phillips, Officiating
Power of Change Christian Church – Cahokia, IL
The Prelude †The Processional
†The Invocation...............................................................................Pastor Charles Washington, M.D.
Mount Calvary Church of God In Christ – Freeport, IL
†The Scripture
The Old Testament: Psalm 91:9-16.............................................. Pastor William J. Bayless Tabernacle of Faith and Deliverance Church of God In Christ – Berkeley, MO
The New Testament: Philippians3:12-21........................................... Pastor Lonnie Pullum Moore’s Temple Church of God In Christ – East St. Louis, IL
†The Hymn of Celebration..............................................................................................Congregation “Hold To God’s Unchanging Hand” (Jennie Wilson, Composer)
Time is filled with swift transition,
Trust in Him who will not leave you,
Naught of earth unmoved can stand,
Whatsoever years may bring,
Build your hopes on things eternal,
If by earthly friends forsaken
Hold to God’s unchanging hand.
Still more closely to Him cling.
REFRAIN:
Covet not this world’s vain riches
Hold to God’s unchanging hand,
That so rapidly decay,
Hold to God’s unchanging hand;
Seek to gain the heav’nly treasures,
Build your hopes on things eternal,
They will never pass away.
Hold to God’s unchanging hand. When your journey is completed, If to God you have been true, Fair and bright the home in glory Your enraptured soul will view.
Acknowledgements
Condolences/Resolutions.................................................................Mother Lillian Brantley
Proclamation...........................................................................................Elder Darius Chapman City of St. Louis
The Ministry of Music.................................................................................................The Tribute Choir “Hallelujah”
Precious Memories
Representing all Clergy.......................................................................... Bishop William Scott Jurisdictional Prelate, Illinois Southeast Jurisdiction of the Church of God In Christ
Representing The Church of East of Saint Louis.................. Minister Carolyn Nichols
Representing Friendship Missionary Baptist Church..................Deacon Edison Kelly
Precious Memories
Representing the Host of Friends................................................... Sister Michelle Walker
Representing the Godchildren/Children...................................... Sister Amber Rodgers
Representing the Family.............................................................Reverend Monica L. Quick
The Ministry of Music.................................................................................................The Tribute Choir “Safe in His Arms”
The Message of Comfort.......................................................................... Bishop Lemuel N. Moore II
Senior Pastor, The Church of East Saint Louis – East St. Louis, IL
The Ministry of Music........................................................ Elder Ron Bishop & The Tribute Choir “Praise Him in Advance”
The Message of Hope.................................................................................. Reverend Danté R. Quick
Senior Pastor, Friendship Missionary Baptist Church – Vallejo, CA
Invitation to Discipleship and Benediction...............................................Bishop Bruce V. Allen The Church Fellowship – Jacksonville, FL
†Recessional †
—ALL WHO ARE ABLE, PLEASE STAND
Interment
Saint Peters Cemetery 2101 Lucas & Hunt Road Normandy, Missouri 63121
Repast Immediately Following Interment Northside Seventh-day Adventist Church 9001 Lucas & Hunt Road St. Louis, Missouri 63136-1500
Moore to Life… In March 2010, Loys was diagnosed with Breast Cancer and after
several months of chemotherapy in St. Louis, Monica and Danté relocated Loys to live with their family in California’s Bay Area to receive further treatment. It was there that she became a member of and was welcomed with open arms into the family of the Friendship Missionary Baptist Church (FMBC) in Vallejo, CA where her son-in-law, Reverend Danté R. Quick, is pastor. There she gained a newfound family and numerous amazing friends. One of her proudest moments was watching her darling daughter conduct her ministry as the first Minister of Music, Arts, and Worship in the history of FMBC. While at FMBC Loys personified the words of St. Francis with vigor, “Preach the Gospel at all times and when necessary use words.” Yes, preach she did! Through her living sermon Loys inspired an entire community as she personified faith in her battle. Whether co-chairing the pastoral installation committee, singing a solo, or starting the praise wave from the third pew, Loys impacted the FMBC community with her loving, open, and strong spirit. Ever the social butterfly, Loys became the center of a community of faith-filled women, who often fought over the pleasure of caring for her…and caring for her they did.
Living well does not necessarily mean having an easy life, but rather appreciating what we have and meeting the challenges that come with strength of character and grace of spirit. — Unknown
One to Remember… Loys’ personality was as unique as her name. The way she expressed her individuality is what made her special. She was an amazing person who was always found inconveniencing herself to accommodate the needs of others. Her unselfishness and radically generous heart touched countless lives in ways big and small. Her compassion and giftedness as an encourager helped to lift many who were discouraged, confused, or troubled by life’s challenges. Her mark of excellence was demonstrated throughout her life. She will be remembered as a living testament for her love for people…family, friends and strangers. Throughout her illness, Loys refused to be defined by her illness in any other way than healed. And healed she is! “I shall not die, but live, and declare the works of the LORD” (Psalm 117:17) could be found on her lips and in her writings up to the eve of her meeting the Lord. Her faith and trust in God combined with an abundance of continuous love and prayers helped to sustain her. On December 26, 2011, the Lord closed the earthly chronicle of Loys’ life and opened the chapter that will live into eternity. Loys was preceded in death by her father, Bishop Lemuel N. Moore, Sr.; grandparents, Elder Andrew and Mother Clara McCoy and Elder Alexander and Lola Moore; aunt, Eunice Walker; uncles, James Nesbitt, Lebron Moore, C. Adallos Moore, and Justice Moore; niece, Jujuana “Nikki” Moore; cousin, Sherry Ingram; godmother, Loys Jean Tabb; and her special friend, Robert L. Thompson. Those family and friends who will rejoice in and cherish her memory are her daughter and son-in-law, Monica L. and Danté R. Quick (San Leandro, CA); two grandchildren, Alexander Danté and Kennedy Danielle Quick (San Leandro, CA); mother, Roxalana Moore; sister, Jacquin L. Weatherspoon (Phoenix, AZ); brother, Lemuel (Joyce) N. Moore II; two nieces, Dawn (Aaron) Chisholm (Phoenix, AZ) and Gjonise Meeks; three nephews, Timothy J. and Justin L. Weatherspoon (Phoenix, AZ) and Andraé Blissett (Flagstaff, AZ); two great-nieces, Madilyn and Bailee Chisholm; five great-nephews, Joshua Fischer, Andraé Blissett, Jr., Jerimiah Moore, Austin Blissett, and Aidan Blissett; one daughter (in love), Cheneé Thompson-Beene (Nashville, TN); two grandsons (in love), Jalen Bond and Philip Beene, Jr. (Nashville, TN); three nieces
(in love), Saundreah (Demetrius) Dunum, DeNeya Brooks, and Bristikah “Layah” Currie; one great-niece (in love), A’Dore Currie; four great-nephews (in love), DeBonair and Demington Dunum and DaBriel and Dior Moore; three aunts, Minnie Hutchinson (Alton, IL), Hennie (Isadore) Major (Detroit, MI) and Mae Helen (Van) Covington (Grand Rapids, MI); one uncle, Verlon (Mary) Moore; a host of cousins including, Karen Hughes, Lisha Lumpkins, Kelly (John) Green, Barbara Wallace, Charles Spearman, and Cary Ingram; five goddaughters, Djuana King, Whitnee Whittaker, Feranda Smith, Amber Rodgers, and Kayln Moore; one godson, Christian Avery; special daughters, T. Shanté Buckley, Dionne Taylor, Raphaelle Darden, Lisa Garnette, Rhonnie Gray, Joyce Smith, Juanita Bentley, Lisa Davis, and Ashley Griffin; special sons, Demetrius Davis, Darius Chapman, Joseph Anthony IV, Chris and Rob Woodie, and Bellande St. Louis; other children, Catrina, Will and John Bayless; special sisters, Eneazer (Austin) Layne, Michelle Walker, Karen Jamerson, Alicia (Kevin) Rodgers, and Charlotte Spencer; special mother, Ann Mack; godmother, Robbie Harris; god sisters, Jacquin Randall, Sherri Randall, Patricia Phillips, Jeanette Strong and Ruby Willis; god brothers, Ralph Turner, Ron Bishop, Michael Slater, Lonnie Randall, and Alfred Randall; special families, Norma Brooks and Family, Aaron and Janet Slater and Family, William and Christine Bayless and family, and Charles and Minnie Washington and Family; special friends, Lillie Allen, Kandyce Johnson, Naomi Henry, Sandra Wright, Saundra Barnes, Sherrie Verhaeghe, Sheila Lloyd, Velva Parker, Nina Jones, Eldrina Jones, Peggy Smith, Sandy Glider, Linda Sanders, Sheila Slater, Karen Appelbaum, Ann Vinson, Emma Tibbs, Vivian Moore, Geri Phillips, Kathy Franklin, Rosalind Borough, Jeannette Fisher-Kouadio, Gina Turner, Joe McAtee, Franklin Morrison, Oscar Upchurch, Elcardo Moore, Michael Williams, Eugene Connors, Kenneth Hawkins, Richard Henderson, Bobby Williams, Craig Scott, Aaron Young, Irvin Burnett, Robert Conley, Willie Epps, and Eric Gaston; The Church of East St. Louis (formerly known as Community Mission Church), Current and Former Members, Emily Costello, Girthia Payton, Rosemary Sykes, Carolyn Nichols, Deborah Davis, Sharron Duncan, Eva Wren, Vivian Cunningham, Cassandra Eason, Levita Crumble, Christine Harper, Zenda Burns, Audrey Walker, and Jacque Brown; Friendship Missionary Baptist Church Family, Carolyn Dyson, Shirley and Al Lee, Linda Bostic, Madie Lumpkins, Miwanda Barnes, Mary Jean Ramsey, Alma and Art Upshaw, Gwen White, Nichelle Miller, Sonia Warner and the Friendship Health Ministry and Nurses; Choice Community Care, Inc. Employees and Contractors, Rhonda Bennett, Paula Nash, Mitchell Miller, Jane Smith, Kimberly Hopkins, Melba Boyd, and Yvette Thomas; Corliss Harlen, Wynetta Ledell and the Staff and Residents of the New Salem Senior Living Facility (East St. Louis, IL); co-workers at the Uni-Lever Company and Airpark Corporation; and a host of other relatives and friends.
LOYS, we will preserve the heritage of your faith, life and accomplishments! You are well loved and will be greatly missed!
Pallbearers: Charles Spearman Ralph Turner Michael Williams Justin Weatherspoon Christian Avery William Bayless II
Honorary Pallbearers:
Alexander Danté Quick Jalen Montrel Dealo Bond Phillip Levon Beene The Men of Unilever The Men of The Church of East St. Louis The Strong Men’s Ministry of Friendship Missionary Baptist Church
Professional Services Entrusted to: AUSTIN A. LAYNE MORTUARY, INC. 7239 West Florissant Ave. St. Louis, MO 63136 314-381-6900
The Triple Negative Breast Cancer Foundation Loys had an unfortunate battle with Triple Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC). For more information or to help find a cure for TNBC, please make a donation in the name of Loys Jean Moore to the Triple Negative Breast Cancer Foundation (www. tnbcfoundation.org, TNBC Foundation, P.O. Box 204, Norwood, NJ 07648, 646.942.0242) so that no more lives are lost to this horrible disease.
FROM THE PEN OF LOYS JEAN MOORE... To My Family and Friends: This is a poem written by Abraham Lincoln. It is my message to each and every one of you. Sorrow comes to all…Perfect relief is not possible, except with time. You cannot now realize that you will ever feel better…and yet…you are sure to be happy again.
Loys
I LOVE YOU AND MISS YOU ALL!
FROM THE FAMILY OF LOYS JEAN MOORE... We, the family of Loys Jean Moore, greatly appreciate your acts of love, kindness and support during our loved ones illness and during this time of bereavement. Indeed, we do not mourn as those who have no hope but we rest in the eschatological hope that we will one day see Loys again. Our sincere gratitude is extended to all of the service participants, Elder Edgar “Petey” Madison and the Tribute Choir, the Ushers and Nurses of Illinois Southeast Jurisdiction, C.P. Bannon Mortuary (Oakland, CA), Austin A. Layne Mortuary, Inc., Bishop Luther Blackwell and the San Francisco Temple Christian Assembly Complex, Pastor Bryan Mann and the Northside Seventh-day Adventist Church, Joseph Anthony IV for this beautiful keepsake program, and Pastor Norma Brooks and Triple A Homecare for preparing the hall and food for the repast. “Thank You” to Dr. Michael Naughton and the staff of the Siteman Cancer Center at BarnesJewish Hospital and Washington University Medical Center, as well as Rev. Carolyn Dyson of the African American Breast Health Program, Dr. Kathleen Grant, and Dr. Roy Abendroth all of the California Pacific Medical Center (San Francisco, CA) for the care they gave to our loved one. A very special note of gratitude is extended to Dr. Hope Rugo, Dr. Jiali Li and the staff of the University of California, San Francisco Carol Franc Buck Breast Care Center and the Ida Friend Infusion Center. There is no doubt that their exceptional medical insight and care gave us more time here on earth with Loys. Finally, a very special “thank you” to the many friends and family who have graciously made donations to the Triple Negative Breast Cancer Foundation. Let’s help find a cure! May God Bless All of You,
THE FAMILY OF LOYS JEAN MOORE