Lorraine Bertha Williams Moody

If anyone ever cared, really cared for someone else it would have to be Lorraine Bertha Moody. She was a warm hearted and well liked individual, and these wonderful traits came easily to her because she was such a sociable and amiable person, someone who was always making certain that those around her had whatever they needed. Lorraine was a talkative person who was tactful at all times but typically said what she meant.

She was the daughter of Roy & Grace Williams. Lorraine was raised in New York City, New York. During her childhood she learned to be reliable and respectful. Lorraine was an obedient child who wanted to win the favor of others. She found it easy to show sympathy and to perform kind acts for others. These admirable qualities would become a part of Lorraine's personality throughout her life.

Though Lorraine was frequently the one to initiate games and activities with her family, she was also quite often the family member who took the role of referee. Lorraine was a peace-maker with an ability to resolve all sorts of family conflicts. In fact, Lorraine worked conscientiously to keep those typical family spats at bay. Lorraine was raised with 4 siblings. She had 2 younger sister's, Carol & Deborah, and 2 younger brother's, Roy Jr., & David. Lorraine and her siblings had the typical rivalries while growing up, but they cared deeply for one another.

As someone who reveled in the sheer joy of her experiences, Lorraine was always enthusiastic about new adventures. Although she had an exacting nature, Lorraine was always tactful. One thing Lorraine will certainly be remembered for is that, when she got up in the mornings, she was ready and raring to go. As a young girl, Lorraine had a number of interests and was an active child. Lorraine took part in track, field, and jump rope. She was a GO member & a member of Ebony Ladies Group. In her spare time she liked to play in the band. Lorraine's memorable achievements included working with "at risk" children at age 12 & won a hula hoop contest.

For Lorraine, the school routines were never a problem although she generally preferred variety to structure. She seemed to be able to start a project and work right through to its completion. And she was able to do it quickly and efficiently. Lorraine was also adept at details. Lorraine was very observant and was generally quick at picking up new things. She graduated from Lewis D. Brandies High School in 1966. She enjoyed some courses more than others, having favorite classes and teachers. Her favorite class in high school was secretarial science and english. The teacher she enjoyed learning from the most was Mr. Lavinto. She won various academic awards.

College can be a challenge, but Lorraine appeared to be well equipped to succeed. She had a knack for staying focused and on track no matter what was going on around her. Lorraine had the ability to work undisturbed through all of the constant interruptions that are a regular part of college life. Lorraine enjoyed using the skills she'd already learned and applying them to new courses. She knew the facts and rarely made factual errors. She earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Education from Lehman College. She also pursued graduate school, earning her Masters of Arts degree in Guidance counseling from City College; and a Masters of Science degree in Supervision & Administration from NYU. She returned to Lewis D. Brandies for her first teaching job.

There was one thing that all of Lorraine's friends knew and will still remember, and that is that she was a talker. She could pretty much talk to anybody about anything. This quality is one of the primary reasons that Lorraine was such a popular person throughout her life. But Lorraine was also dependable, loyal and trustworthy. Lorraine was the kind of person who simply radiated good fellowship. While she maintained personal standards and her own personal values, Lorraine was very accepting of others. With a distinct skill for working things out, Lorraine was often the person who would organize events. In fact, Lorraine was fairly comfortable playing the role of “host” for just about any occasion. When Lorraine made friends, she made true and lasting friendships. While growing up, some of her best friends were Arlene Henry, Mittie, Barbara Holder, Regina McCarthy, Lodge men Rochelle Dore, Rhoda Wopner, and many more. Later in life, she became friends with Arlene, Henry, Mittie, Regina McCarthy, and Barbara Holder.

Lorraine was a faithful and loving person. Some would even call her sentimental and a romantic at heart. Her kindness and consideration radiated an aura of warmth to those around her. Lorraine cared for what others thought and carried that into her marriage. On December 19, 1970 Lorraine married Robert Sherwood Moody at Friendship Baptist Church of Harlem New York. Compassionate and devoted, Lorraine worked hard to make her new life partner happy.

Harmony was important to Lorraine and she made every effort to maintain it with her family. Lorraine was blessed with One child, son, Robert John Moody. Lorraine was always conscious of the feelings others had. She was reasonable and understanding. As a result, Lorraine was quick to solve disputes and did so without much fuss. Her secret of success in this area was simple: Lorraine would listen before she would act.

Taking her work seriously came naturally to Lorraine, and she expected the same from those around her. Lorraine was a good team player, someone who was born to cooperate with others. She was what some would call a “people person” and it was demonstrated in her good communication skills. Lorraine was a steady worker, one who was realistic about schedules. The kind of details that would give family members and work colleagues fits were situations that Lorraine handled well. She could understand the details without getting lost in the broad “big picture.” Her primary occupation was a teacher, guidance counselor, and an Assistant Principal. She was employed for 32 years with the New York City Department of Education. She brought harmony to her work environment, doing what was necessary in order to get the job done, while always maintaining respect for her colleagues.

A methodical woman, Lorraine enjoyed spending time working on her various hobbies. She had no problem following all of the steps and instructions on a given project and was proud of the fact that she could have something to show for her efforts. Her favorite pursuits were making floral arrangements, dancing, collecting music.

Lorraine was one of those people who took pride in constantly putting forth her best effort. Nowhere was that more visible than in sports. Lorraine was always enthusiastic and a great team player. In high school, Lorraine ran track and field. Recreational sports included learning to swim and bowl. Lorraine also liked being a sports fan and enjoyed following her favorite teams whenever she got the opportunity. Tops on her list were Tennis, especially the Williams sisters.

Her keen interest in things that affected the lives of other people led Lorraine to become actively involved in professional and community organizations. Because she was outgoing and worked well with others, Lorraine did her fair share of volunteer work. And she wouldn't’t shy away from taking the lead on committees or events, either. She was a born list maker and was great at creating and sticking to schedules. In high school, Lorraine was a member of the Ebony Ladies & the G. O. Club.

Lorraine was the kind of person who would readily move into action in order to help others. She was appreciated and respected. She could find value in the opinions of others and was passionate about her own values and beliefs. Politically, Lorraine was a Democrat.

Her high moral standards and traditional values served Lorraine well with her faith. Religion and faith were important to her. She was a member Allen AME church for 8 years. During that time, she was involved in various activities. She was well respected because she was such an outgoing individual who sought to help in any manner she could.

A generous and compassionate woman, Lorraine accomplished much during her lifetime. Though she never set out to gain individual recognition, Lorraine was recognized and given awards for her many and varied efforts throughout her life. Some of her most prestigious awards included Guidance Counselor of the year, New York City Permanent Certification.

Not only did Lorraine enjoy traveling, but she also seemed to enjoy planning all of those trips and vacations. She was a facilitator who could easily make up a near perfect schedule of all of the things to do and see. She rarely tired of going back and revisiting her favorite places. Favorite vacations included trips to the Bahamas.

Lorraine was a lover of animals and cherished her pets. One of her favorites was She had a dog named Shadow when she was growing up.

Since it was easy for Lorraine to meet and get to know new people, she quickly made friends, even in retirement. Once she met those new friends, she loved sharing stories and talking about the good old days. Since she was practical and cost effective, Lorraine was ready when that day to retire finally came in September 1, 2003. Her new life involved relocating to Henderson, NV. In retirement, she found new pleasure in having good times with family and friends. Even in retirement, Lorraine stayed in touch with her old friends and made plenty of new acquaintances. She was active in the community and felt fulfilled with the opportunities that retirement offered her.

Lorraine passed away on May 20, 2010 at St. Rose Hospital San Martin campus in Las Vegas, Nevada. Our loved one fought a long & hard battle against cancer. She is survived by husband, Robert; son, Robert; sister's, Carol & Deborah; brother's, Roy Jr. & David. Services were held at Palm Mortuary Eastern in Las Vegas, Nevada. Lorraine was laid to rest in Palm Valley View Cemetery in Las Vegas, NV.

Lorraine was a fantastic conversationalist who could engage just about anyone in a discussion. And whenever she said something, she meant it. Lorraine was a down to earth person, outgoing and gregarious. She was without question the type of person who enjoyed experiencing things first hand. She was practical and sensible, but what friends and family will remember her for most is the fact that she was so understanding and kind. Everyone whose life she touched will miss Lorraine Bertha Moody.