Mary Etta Scarborough Moody, 81, was born on August 26, 1945, in Bogalusa, Louisiana, and passed away on October 20, 2026. A respected wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, storyteller, and friend, Mary Etta spent her life bringing joy, laughter, and cherished stories to those around her.
Mary Etta was the daughter of Dewey and Ruby Scarborough. She was raised in Angie, Louisiana, and later made her home in Poplarville, Mississippi. She attended The University of Southern Mississippi and went on to build a life centered around family, community, and her love of storytelling.
For 59 years, Mary Etta shared her life with her husband, Billy Mike Moody. Together, they build a lifetime of memories.
She is survived by her husband, Billy Mike Moody; her child, Danny Wheat and his wife, Valorie; her grandchildren, Kyrsten Wheat and Landon Wheat and his wife, Melanie; and her great-grandchildren, Rowan Wheat and Emma Wheat; her sisters-in-law, Juanita Moody and Hilda Moody.
Mary Etta was preceded in death by her parents, Dewey and Ruby Scarborough.
Throughout her life, Mary Etta was known especially for her storytelling. She had a gift for telling stories and capturing the attention of those around her. Her love of acting and storytelling became an important part of who she was. She also enjoyed traveling with her mother and creating memories that she carried with her throughout her life.
Mary Etta was a member of the Methodist Church of Poplarville and was involved in the Daughters of the American Revolution and the Daughter of the Confederacy.
Above all, Mary Etta will be remembered for the stories she told, the memories she created, and the love she gave to her family. Her presence has touched generations of her family, and the stories she shared will continue to be remembered and passed down.
Family and friends are invited to attend Mary's visitation Friday, October 23, 2026 from 12:00 pm until 2:00 pm at White Funeral Home, 315 Hwy 11 South, Poplarville, Mississippi. Mary's funeral service will begin at 2:00 pm. Burial to follow in Springhill Baptist Church Cemetery, Poplarville, Mississippi.
