Marsha Moore Moody

Born in Houston on the 7th of December 1943, to Muriel and Ben H. Moore, Marsha was a lifelong Houstonian. She attended Lanier Middle School where she met her future husband, George Roland Moody. In those days, lockers and classes were assigned alphabetically. With his locker above hers and many classes together, they hit it off and their beautiful love story began. Marsha then graduated from Lamar High School and Southern Methodist University where she was a member of the Kappa Alpha Theta sorority. Marsha took extra classes every semester of college, allowing her to graduate in 3 ½ years as her parents would not allow her to get married until she finished. Marsha and George married in 1963 and were married almost 50 years, until his death in 2013.

Marsha will be remembered for her love of family and friends, her generosity, and her commitment to serving others. She maintained regular, life-long connections with friend groups from church, Lamar High School, SMU, and neighbors. After being diagnosed with ALS, Marsha had a full calendar of caring friends and family stopping by to visit. The family is very thankful for the support and friendship shown by her dear friends.

Marsha’s love language was food and she was always cooking and baking for others. She gave cookies to the young adults Sunday school class, meals to ill neighbors or friends, and care packages to college-aged grandkids. Gathering with family over dinner was also a favorite activity and one of the traditions her family will miss the most. She had many signature dishes including decadent macaroni and cheese, chocolate pecan pie, and French silk pie. Marsha had a sweet tooth and one could always expect multiple homemade desserts on hand when she hosted a gathering. Her pies are renowned inside and outside of the family - it’s rumored that tears have been shed when the last slice has been eaten! In her ever-generous, ever-patient way, Marsha enjoyed showing her grandkids and grand-nephews how to make all of her favorite dishes.

She loved spending time in the country at “The Barn”. She and George became avid gardeners and soon gifted everyone from her family to her hair dresser with fresh vegetables, home-grown orange juice, and canned pickles. She enjoyed sharing the space with others and especially relished sleepovers with the grandkids. She enthusiastically participated in just about everything the grandkids did for fun at the barn, whether it was painting dried gourds from the garden, a game of air hockey, or even spending the night sleeping outside on the playground. The grandkids and granddogs always looked forward to staying with Marsha while their parents were out of town and loved spending time with her. She supported all of the grandkids by attending countless sports games, recitals, and “Grandparents Days” at school.

Marsha valued the importance of giving back to the community and dedicated herself to serving others. In addition to being a 4th and 5th grade teacher for many years, she was a longtime member of Memorial Drive Methodist Church before becoming a member at St. Luke’s United Methodist Church where she volunteered on the wedding guild and as a Sunday morning greeter, registered attendance, and hosted her bible study for many years.

Marsha was preceded in death by her husband George and parents Muriel and Ben H. Moore. She is survived by her children, George Moody (Tricia), Mike Moody (Laurie), and Mary Lile (Tom). Marsha adored her “Magnificent Seven” grandchildren, Douglas Moody, Julia Moody, Michael Moody, Jr. (Eleanor), Jack Moody (fiancé Ellison), William Moody (fiancé Madeline), Thomas Moody, and Caroline Lile. She is also survived by her brothers Ben H. Moore, Jr. (Diane), William C. Moore (Ginny), and Robert L. Moore; and brothers-in-law Dan Moody, Jr., John Moody (Eileen).

Friends are cordially invited to gather with family and share remembrances of Marsha during a visitation to be held from five o’clock in the afternoon until seven o’clock in the evening on Friday, the 6th of September, in the grand foyer of Geo. H. Lewis & Sons, 1010 Bering Drive in Houston.

A memorial service is to be conducted at two o’clock in the afternoon on Saturday, the 7th of September, in the sanctuary of St. Luke’s United Methodist Church, 3471 Westheimer Road in Houston.

Prior to Saturday’s service, the family will have gathered for a private interment at Memorial Oaks Cemetery in Houston.

In lieu of customary remembrances, memorial contributions may be directed to Houston Hospice, 1905 Holcombe Blvd, Houston, TX 77030 or by visiting online at www.houstonhospice.org/donate, St. Luke’s United Methodist Church, 3471 Westheimer Rd, Houston, TX 77027 or by visiting online at https://stlukesmethodist.org/memorial-honorariums; or to a charity of one’s choice.

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