Mary Moody

A beautiful girl was born in New Iberia, Louisiana on October 13,1944 to John Talton Richard, Sr. and Ida Mae Obee Richard. She attended and fulfilled her educational duties in New Iberia Parish public schools in 1962.

As a young child, Mary devoted her life to Christ and was a faithful member at Cottrell Chapel CME Church in New Iberia, Louisiana.

In 1963, Mary was blessed with a beautiful baby, who she named Lydia Ardell. She wanted more for herself and her daughter so she moved to Houston, Texas.  Mary worked as a secretary at Carl Barnes Funeral home. In 1965, Mary met and later married Harry Modelist, Sr. and to this union 3 sons were born, Harry, Jr., Terrance Zeno and Leroy Tyrone. In 1988, Harry Modelist went home to be with the Lord. In continuing on with her career, Mary was a dynamic typist. She could type over 95 words a minute! Her professional career included Hughes Tool, where she worked in personnel and she also worked as an armed security guard. Mary loved the Lord with all her heart. She united with the  Boynton United Methodist, where she faithfully served in the choir as a 1st soprano. With her strong clerical skills, she was hired to serve as the church secretary. She served faithfully for many years.

After a hard day's work, she would  often be found cooking in her kitchen with her windows open, singing praises to God as the aroma of gumbo, smothered chicken, cakes, pralines, peanut butter cookies and other delicious foods flowed from the windows. Her weekends were spent with family road trips, gatherings and card games.

In 1989, Mary met Henry L. Moody they were married and in 1992 they moved to Thomasville, Georgia. No children were born to this union. Mary found viable employment at Amoco, Archbold Rehab and as a CNA until her health failed and she could no longer continue working. Mary united with the Second Presbyterian Church, where she served faithfully until her health failed.

Mary…Miss Mary...Sue...Nanny Sue…Mrs. Moody...Granny... Mom… Whatever name you knew her by, she was always the same, a little firecracker who said it like she meant it and didn't cut any corners on what she had to say.

On Monday, March 11, 2024, Mary peacefully departed this earthly life with her family by her side and joined the ranks of the dearly departed to be with her father, John Talton Richard; her mother, Ida Mae Obee; her sisters, LeoNettle Marie Sanders, Sabara Marie Hopkins, Victoria Ann Hunter; brother, John T. Richard, Sr.; her sons, Harry Modelist, Jr. and Terrance Zeno Modelist.

Mary will be lovingly remembered by her husband, Henry L. Moody of Thomasville, Georgia; her "favorite daughter" Lydia Ardell Alston (Warren); son, Leroy Tyrone Modelist (Catherine); step-daughters, Nicole Hines, Gloria Michelle Head; brothers, Irving Dauphine of Pensacola, Florida, Joseph Richard of Houston, Texas; sister, Lucinder Ann Mickens of Keysville, Georgia; sister-in-law, Cora Lee Holt; nine grandchildren, Terance Rylander, Teressa Rylander, Treven Modelist, Terrell Modelist; Tremaine Modelist, Corey Spence, Darrel Bradford, Lymaryia Mone' Alston, Leroy Hemphill; seven great grandchildren, one Special "Conference Call Friend", Barbara West and  a host of other relatives and friends.