Eloise Moses

The neighborhood knew Eloise Moses as the “Rose Lady”; the smiling grandma whose green thumb produced a yard filled with beautiful roses and flowers that were enjoyed by all. The signs in her yard read, “Please stop and smell the roses.” We knew her as our loving “Maw-Maw” and “Mosey”, who gave everything she had to her family and friends.

On Monday, July 11, 2016, after four days in ICU, Eloise joined her husband, Retired Superintendent Dr. Paul Moses, Sr., and her precious youngest son, Franklin Henry Moses in Heaven. She was 91.

Born in McKenzie, Alabama, during the Great Depression, Eloise learned the value of hard work and family. Born on December 10, 1924 to James Henry and Eva Bishop Edwards, Eloise was the baby sister to her two older brothers, Morris Edwards (Frances) and Jim Edwards (Ruth). They had great love in the family but times were extremely hard in those days. At the age of 20, her beauty and tenacity captured the attention of Naval Pilot Paul Moses, during his time at Pensacola NAS. They were married for 65 years (until his death in 2010), raised three children, and had a wonderful life.

Eloise was a lifelong educator. During her career, Eloise worked as a teacher and counselor for the Calcasieu Parish School Board, and later as Educational Diagnostician for the McNeese Special Education Department. She also served as the Region 5 Special Education Coordinator for the Louisiana State Department of Education. She loved every minute of her career and had such a passion for working with and for children.

After retirement, Eloise volunteered at Moss Regional Hospital, and developed a passion for golf. She played every Thursday at Mallard Cove and used the same golf ball for 30 years! Macular Degeneration would rob her of her vision in her later years, but the love of the game continued (even at the age of 90). She didn’t hit it long but always hit it straight!

During retirement, Eloise also took great pride in her yard and her 200 rose bushes. She said that she didn’t have children to nurture, so she would nurture roses. She loved being in the Rose Club, being a Rosarian, and entering her roses in the Rose Shows. Eloise especially enjoyed spending time with her good friends at their monthly luncheon.

Eloise and Paul were founding members of St. Luke Methodist Church, which later became known as St Luke-Simpson. Eloise loved her church community and enjoyed volunteering for their Manna program where she could help so many people.

Her special joy was her family: her children, her grandchildren, and her great-grandchildren. She loved deeply, and each and every one of us has been blessed by her love.

Eloise’s legacy continues through her children: Eva Moses Savoy and husband, Retired Superintendent Wayne Savoy, her eldest son Dr. Paul James Moses Jr. and wife Paula Boyd, and Eloise’s treasured daughter-in-law – her “little English daughter” - Jean Moses (cherished wife of Frank).

Surviving grandchildren include Paul Moses III, Kim Moses Linden (Chad), Boyd Moses (Kristen), Todd Moses (Courtney), Megan Mungovan (Matt), Richard Lightfoot (Laura), Nick Lightfoot (Paige), Tessa Webster (Chris), Kyra Savoy (Fiancé Alberto Galan), and 15 great-grandchildren.

We miss you Maw-Maw, and we take comfort knowing you are no longer in pain and can, now, finally once again see. We lost a good one here on earth, but we gained a new guardian angel.

A celebration of Eloise’s beautiful life will be held at 11a.m. on Saturday, July 16, 2016, at Johnson Funeral Home. Dr. Robert Black will officiate. Interment will be at Prien Memorial Park. Visitation will be on Friday from 4 until 7 p.m. and will resume on Saturday at 9 a.m. until service time.

Memorial donations may be made to the McNeese State University Foundation in memory of Dr. Paul and Eloise Moses, P. O. Box 91989, Lake Charles, LA 70609.