Mary Lynn Moody

Mary Lynn was born October 17, 1937, in Raleigh, NC to the late Joel Francis Moody and Mary Saunders Moody. Her older brother, Joel Francis Moody, Jr. passed away in 2024. She was educated in the Wake County Public Schools. At Needham Broughton she served as several class officers, was elected Miss Needham Broughton of 1955 and wrote “The Younger Set” for the Raleigh Times newspaper, as well as, writing for the Broughton yearbook.

Mary Lynn graduated with an English Degree from Duke University in 1959. After a tour of Europe, Mary Lynn settled in Washington, DC and in 1961, joined the National Association of Educational Broadcasters (NAEB). In the 1970s, Mary Lynn was considered to be on the front line of advocating for women’s parity in educational broadcasting. After 19 years of distinguished service, she completed her career as corporate secretary and director of conventions and conferences, having managed 16 different conventions. Her colleagues held her in highest regard and with great affection.

A fierce and caring advocate, Mary Lynn knew the value of love among family, her many close and long time friends and neighbors. Her sharp intelligence and keen sense of humor made her a spark to any conversation. Affectionately known by her entire family as “Auntie Min”. Known by all for her very distinctive, hearty and infectious laugh. An avid sports fan, Mary Lynn loved her Duke Blue Devils, Washington Redskins and VMI where her beloved father, older brother and nephew attended.

Comments from some of her long time friends are: my North Star, looked after so many of us, thought the world of her, a wonderful spirit and care for others, would see our lights on and call just to visit, walked to school everyday since first grade, will miss her laugh and her.

Mary Lynn is survived by lifelong best friends, Patricia Jo Divers and Sondra Callahan of Raleigh; her brother Steve Moody, and his wife, Shirley, of Myrtle Beach, SC; her sister-in-law, Sue Moody and nephews, Chris Moody, David Moody and his wife Leslie Moody of Raleigh, NC; her nieces, Amanda Hoyes and her partner Jamin Watson of Cary, NC and Tamala Ramsdell and husband Matthew of Geneva, Illinois. She is also survived by great nephews Ethan, Alex, and Tyson Moody; Frank Ramsdell and Ryder Watson; and great nieces, Sophia Kirn, Lilly Kirn, and Shelby Hoyes.

The family wishes to thank all friends, especially Paige Burris, Carol Gibson, Sue Talbot, Beth and Chick Wyant, steadfast neighbors who continue to look after her home, and caregivers at Sunrise who provided care, comfort and special kindnesses to Mary Lynn during her illness.

A funeral service was held on Wednesday, January 28, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. in the Chapel of Mitchell Funeral Home, 7209 Glenwood Avenue, Raleigh followed by interment at Raleigh Memorial Park. Flowers are welcome, or please make a donation to a charity of your choice.

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