Gerald Dewitt Moody

Dewitt, 92, was born October 19, 1925, in Utica, MS and moved to Monroe in 1939. He passed away on February 18, 2018, at his home in Cadeville, LA since 1977. He fought a courageous battle with cancer and had it in remission from 2012 until 6 months ago. He was loved greatly by his family and was surrounded with their love till his last moments of life.

Dewitt served his country in WWII, US Army in France, from 1943 to 1946 and was presented the French Legion of Honor Award from the French Consul General, Monsieur Gregor Prumel. He was a member of the Communications Workers of America, Telephone Pioneers and retired from South Central Bell with 41+ years of service. He was baptized in the name of Jesus Christ on the 10th day of August 1975 at First United Pentecostal Church of West Monroe and was an active member of Living Way Apostolic Church of West Monroe.

He married Weba Smith in 1947 and they celebrated their 70th anniversary last year. They have been role model parents and are greatly admired by their children, family and friends. He was an avid sportsman and taught all his sons, grandsons and numerous nephews many tricks of the trade:: shooting, firearm safety, camping, hunting, fishing, trapping and even “frog gigging”. His love for gardening was felt by his family and many friends by his sharing produce, fruit and muscadines every summer and fall.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert "Dan" and Elizabeth Rebecca (Hood) Moody; five sisters, Edna Leggett, Muriel Durnin, Edith Thigpen, Loyce Fike, Elizabeth Moody; six brothers, Percy Moody, Bob Moody, Mack Moody, Donald Moody, Hubert Moody, and Roy Moody; and two grandsons, Shiloh Foster and Richy Moody.

He is survived by his wife of 70+ years, Weba Jean Smith Moody; four sons, Jerry Moody (Ebbie), Mike Moody, Steve Moody (Renee), Ricky Moody (My); one daughter, Becci Sessoms (David); 19 Grandchildren, 17 Great Grandchildren and 1 Great-Great Grandchild; brothers-in-law (like brothers): Harvey Smith and J.D. Smith; his hunting buddy, Darlene Smith Goodman; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 P.M., Wednesday, February 21, 2018, at Living Way Apostolic Church, Hwy 34, West Monroe, LA, with Rev. Nathan Thornton and Rev. Jason Hodge officiating. Interment will follow at Kilpatrick’s Serenity Gardens Cemetery in West Monroe, LA, under the direction of Mulhearn Funeral Home, West Monroe, LA.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 P.M. until 8:00 P.M., Tuesday, February 20, 2018, at Mulhearn Funeral Home, West Monroe, LA.

Pallbearers will be Marlin Jarrell, Jason Moody, Merill Moody, Frank Ricks, J.D. Smith and Tracy Strange.

Honorary Pallbearers will be Harvey Smith and Mark Hall.

Special thanks to Dr. Sanjay Joseph, Dr. Kevin Gallagher, Dr. Dennis Sullivan and to Compassus for the love and care that was shown to our Dad.