Nona Ruth Mosley

April 16, 1938 was no usual day! You see, one of God’s most precious came into this world in an out of the way tiny town, Billings, Oklahoma. Nona Ruth Little was born. She loved to tell folks “No! It wasn’t Billings, Montana. Billings, Oklahoma! “ She was crazy proud of that all her life. She loved all her family; aunts, uncles, cousins, nephews, nieces. But the one she talked about until her last days of life was Grandad Kimsey. Summers in Marietta, Oklahoma in his green pick up truck, going to FBC, Marietta, and all the summer fun a girl could have were memories she cherished.

Proud parents Leonard and Theo Little welcomed her, as did her much loved older brother, Charles, and sister, JoAnn. In recent years, Nona has longed to see her mom and dad, brother and sister, each of whom had gone before her. That longing has been realized.

Billings became history as the family moved to Abilene, Texas where Nona would live until graduation from Hardin-Simmons University, 1960. The Littles were fully committed to Jesus and His Church. I hadn’t known Nona long till I heard about her best childhood friend, MaryBeth Sullivan, and MaryBeth’s amazing pastor/dad, Dr. James L. Sullivan, Pastor of First Baptist Church, Abilene.

Nona welcomed Jesus into her life as a 9 year old. As far as I know, she never doubted the reality of that decision nor the amazing gift of grace that had been given her. She was baptized by Pastor Sullivan at FBC, Abilene. Those childhood years, and into her youth in the context of her Christian home and a dynamic Jesus-centered church, were used by God to form her heart of worship, deep devotion to Jesus, the love of His Word, and remarkable gifts of discernment, encouragement, joy, hope, and a love for the Church, The Bride of Christ.

And then I met this beautiful, charming, spirited, gentle, strong girl as both of us entered Hardin-Simmons University fall 1956. She was a magnet for friends though always on the “shy side”. She was uncomfortable in the “limelight”, but the light always shown on her. I figured “I wouldn’t have a chance”, but in God’s grace our friendship developed into full blown love. We shared a passion for Jesus, mutual callings to serve Him vocationally, and a commitment to love Him first and foremost and then one another out of that Perfect Love. We were married September 2, 1960.

Twin children, Marcus and Melinda were born our first year of marriage….while I was in Seminary. What were we thinking?! Guess not. From day one we loved singing songs of the church. God was gracious to call us to serve multiple churches over the next 50+ years in music ministry. She always led the 2nd Grade Choirs and was the “best alto” in every church we served.

When God called us to step out of our “comfort zone” of music ministry in 1994 to become the founding pastor of a small group of people on the East coast, I was again overwhelmed and humbled that this mother of twins, and grandmother of 5 would come alongside me 1000 miles from our family to again fulfill what we knew to be God’s call on our lives. Not many wives would have done such a thing. But then Nona loved Jesus and knew His voice and always trusted and obeyed.

Together we’ve pastored in churches and 2 university campuses, we’ve led music mission trips in Europe, Great Britain, South America, Central America. I’ve watched the Spirit of God flow in and through her to bless children, students, adults young and old. I’ve benefited as have countless others her kindness, her gentle love, her unwavering devotion to Jesus, her family, her friends, and strangers.

As her health began to decline she and I suffered with the awareness of the road ahead. But she never stopped quoting her life verse, Isaiah 41:10, “So do not fear, for I am with you do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.”

So this precious child of God fought the fight and finished her course on Tuesday morning, Dec. 12 to kneel at the feet of Jesus and worship Him as the One Who loved her and gave Himself for her.

We rejoice with you sweetest one. Our hearts are broken in your absence here, but our grief though real is not without hope. In the meantime, may I, and we, live our lives like you. Poured out for the Gospel.

All our love,

Tom, Marc and Melinda

Memorial Gifts in Nona Mosley’s honor may be directed to

Passion Conferences PO BOX 14145 Atlanta, GA 30324 https://passionconferences.com/give/