Jo Moore Suarez

Jo Suarez passed away Friday, Feb. 3, 2012, at Ollie Steele Burden Manor. Born Dec. 3, 1925, in Vicksburg, Miss., she moved to Baton Rouge in 1948 to work for Gov. Earl K. Long. It was here that she married and raised her family. A true Southern belle, Jo's world revolved around her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She loved life, cherished her many friends, and was always willing to lend a helping hand to anyone in need. She is survived by her four children, son and daughter-in-law, David Moore and Susan Davidson Suarez, of Washington, D.C., and daughters, Jackie Suarez Millican, of Jennings, and Becky Suarez Hendry, and Kimberly Suarez Brousseau, both of Baton Rouge. Jo, fondly known as Mi-Mi, deeply loved her grandchildren who she referred to as her "hearts of gold." Grandchildren are the Rev. Jeff and Lisa Millican, of New Orleans, Kevin and Kristy Millican, of Jennings, Hannah and Ryan Plummer, of New Orleans, Courtney and Patrick McCraney, of Jackson, Miss., Casey and Matthew Horne, of Gonzales, Cary Blake Hendry, of New Orleans, and James Doyle Brousseau and Joe Buddy Brousseau, of Baton Rouge. She was known as "Great" to her 13 great-grandchildren, Sarah, Ford, and Luke Millican, of New Orleans, Abbie, William, and Grace Anne Millican, of Jennings, Caroline, Robert, Kate, and Mary Winston McCraney, of Jackson, Miss., and Isabelle, Emma Claire, and Olivia Horne, of Gonzales. Jo was preceded in death by her parents, Jewell and Vernon Moore; and sons-in-law, Gary Gene Hendry and Ford Jefferson Millican. A gracious Southern lady with impeccable charm, a flair for style, and a passion for beautiful things, she will long be remembered as a "steel magnolia" who greeted everyone with a smile and a twinkle in her eyes. Visitation will be held at St. Aloysius Catholic Church on Monday, Feb. 6, from 11 a.m. until religious service at 1 p.m. Jo's grandsons will serve as pallbearers. Interment in Roselawn Memorial Park. The family wishes to extend the deepest gratitude and thanks to caregivers Felicia Success, Neely Michel, Kathy Ealm, St. Joseph Hospice, Home Instead Senior Care, and the staff of Ollie Steele Burden Manor. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to St. Joseph Hospice, 10615 Jefferson Highway, Baton Rouge, LA 70809 or the charity of your choice. Arrangements will be handled by Rabenhorst Funeral Home, 825 Government St.