This week, an angel by the name of Ms. Mordena Moore took her wings and flew home to heaven. Although I knew she had been ill and I even had an opportunity to go and visit her at the hospital, I was not ready for the call when her daughter Konya reached out to let me know she was now gone. Ms. Mordena has been part of my life for so long I cannot even remember when we first met. I feel like she has always been with me. When I did events for my clients across the city, she was always there and supportive. She was near and dear to so many of us in the community. She will truly be missed, but the good thing is she made sure the dash between the day she was born and the day she went home to the Lord counted.
Ms. Mordena was the one who introduced me to the Association of the Study of African America Life and History, Inc., (ASALH) started by Carter G. Woodson and is located at Howard University in Washington, D.C. Our Authors Study Club, Inc., located in Los Angeles is one of the 53 branches across the country associated with ASALH and she was deeply committed to its success. Everyone who knew her knew how dedicated she was to preserve the history of our people and accomplishments. She always found a way to pull us in to help her reach her goals. Another organization she was truly committed to is AbilityFirst’s Harry A. Mier Center (HAMC) located in Inglewood. In 2010 Forgiving For Living, Inc., (our nonprofit) was privileged to honor her at our PLUS Awards shedding light on her commitment to helping others. She was committed to helping young people and those with disadvantages and disabilities get a helping hand.
Ms. Mordena received so many awards over her lifetime there are too many to name. A few that stand out include acknowledgements for her work by The White House, the State of Ohio, the State of California, the County and City of Los Angeles. She was also featured in Who’s Who in Black Los Angeles and was a member of the Los Angeles World Affairs Council. But more than any of these organizations and awards, she was committed to her relationship with Jesus Christ. She was a member of Liberty Baptist Church in Los Angeles and talked about her church all the way to the end.
Besides her commitment to her church and community she also had a successful career working for the United States Army Corps of Engineers and the United States Government. She believed if she was going to do something, she had to give it her best. She worked not unto man, but as unto the Lord. She set a good example for all to follow. She considered me one of her “girls” and I am grateful that I had a chance to sit at her feet and learn many lessons that she poured into my life. I hope to continue her legacy by sharing what I know with others and continuing to serve the community. Mordena Moore had a servant’s heart.
Ms. Mordena was a cancer survivor. At the time of her death she was 30 years cancer free. She lived life to the fullest without excuses and never wanted anyone to feel sorry for her. I admired how she spoke her mind without apology but could also be gentle as a dove.
She was a loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend. It is said we will know them by their fruit. Her vineyard is full and overflowing, and she will be deeply missed. Rest in peace Ms. Mordena, well done good and faithful servant.
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Visit www.WendyGladney to learn more. Wendy is a life strategist, coach, consultant, author, and speaker. She can also be found live on Instagram @Wendygladney on Wednesdays at 12 noon PST.
