Betty Shook Moss

Betty Jean Shook Moss was born on May 5, 1937 in Buncombe County, North Carolina and joined her Father in Heaven on January 17, 2016. Betty moved to Brevard County in the 1950’s, graduating from Cocoa High School in 1955 as class Salutatorian (and remained sharp throughout her life – there was no crossword puzzle she could not conquer!).

Betty met her late husband Joseph Raymond Moss after high school, supporting him while he served first as Cocoa City Councilman and then as Mayor of Cocoa, during the height of the Apollo space program.

Following brief residences in Deland and Tallahassee while Joseph pursued his law education, Betty and Joseph returned to Brevard County in 1969 to the city of Rockledge, where she remained ever since. Betty served as her husband’s accountant and office manager until his retirement.

Betty was active in the Brevard community, as a member of the Brevard Chorale. As part of this renowned choir, Betty toured in Europe, where she performed in some of the most prestigious venues in the world, including St. Peter’s Basilica. Betty tapped into her creative side through community theater as well, a highlight of which included being part of the cast in “Fiddler on the Roof” at the Cocoa Village Playhouse.

Betty was a devoted member of her church, the First Baptist Church of Cocoa, where she sang in the choir. She often traveled to prisons and nursing homes to sing and share the Good News of the Gospel to those less fortunate. She was also a member of the Cocoa-Rockledge Garden Club and the Democratic Women’s Club.

Over her lifetime, Betty has seen the world, having traveled all over Europe, Japan, China, Australia, New Zealand, the Caribbean, Hawaii, Alaska and all over the continental U.S. She has walked upon The Great Wall of China, stood atop the Eiffel Tower, walked the steps of the Sydney Opera House, stood at the edge of volcanos on the Big Island, and strolled through sacred gardens in Tokyo. Regardless of where she went, she always brought a tender smile and a warm heart.

Betty leaves behind four children who will cherish her guidance and love, and her reminder to “love one another and be ye kind”: Raymond Moss, John Moss, Sandra Smiley, and Pamela Daigle. Her love has also touched her eight grandchildren and her two great-grandchildren, who will keep her spirit alive in their hearts.

A celebration of Betty’s life will be held at 6 p.m. on Thursday, January 21 at First Baptist Church of Cocoa. A private burial service will be held on Friday, January 22 at Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Hospice of Health First – Cocoa Beach, and the First Baptist Church of Cocoa.