Janet Little Moore

Janet Ann Little Moore passed away peacefully in her sleep on December 17, 2022, at her home in Monroe, Louisiana.  Born at Hotel Dieu in New Orleans in 1952, Janet was the only daughter and youngest of three children of William “Willy” Little, a World War II purple heart veteran and paper route manager for the Times Picayune, and Anita “Mama Little,” a legendary home cook and all-around spitfire.  She had an idyllic childhood growing up in the Lower Ninth Ward of New Orleans and attended St. Mary’s Dominican High School, where she delighted in the title role of The Unsinkable Molly Brown and was voted “Ms. Neat and Sweet” as a senior, much to her future chagrin.  She carpooled with eight friends—collectively nicknamed “the Car”—who would remain dear to her for the rest of her life.  A highlight of her time in New Orleans was seeing the Beatles in 1964, on their first North American tour, where she was one of tens of thousands of hysterical teen girls packing City Park Stadium.  The Beatles, especially George, would remain a passion throughout Janet’s life and a fixture in the Moore home.

In 1970, Janet moved to Lafayette to attend the University of Southwestern Louisiana in pursuit of an education degree, and in 1974, a mutual friend introduced her to a charmingly nerdy law student named Milton, whom she was immediately convinced she would one day marry.  She moved to Baton Rouge later that year to be closer to that Milton and to finish her bachelor’s degree at LSU.  The couple moved to Monroe in 1977 and were married later that year at the Littles’ family church, St. Maurice Catholic Church in New Orleans.  Their marriage endured for over 45 years until her death.  

Janet began her career in education at J.S. Clark Elementary, stepping away to focus on her pregnancy and to knock on thousands of doors across the city to support Milton’s first successful campaign for city council.  She had two sons, Will and Doug, and managed the Yellow House daycare until 1986, when she began teaching fifth grade at Jesus the Good Shepherd School, where she taught until her retirement twenty years later.  Watching her students grow into successful young men and women was one of the joys of her life.  Her legacy still looms large at JGS.

In retirement, Janet devoted much of her time to initiatives at Jesus the Good Shepherd Church as a longtime organizer of the living stations of the cross, R.C.I.A. sponsor and teacher, Eucharistic minister, reader and volunteer.  She was a longtime member and is the reigning queen of the Mystic Krewe of Perseus in Slidell, where she reigned alongside her beloved late brother Allen, the longtime crew captain and a giant of Slidell arts and culture.  She was deeply involved with and was a driving force in the 463^rd Bomb Group Historical Society, dedicated to archiving the history of and reuniting members of her father’s bomb group that flew over 200 missions in the Great War.

A voracious reader and skilled conversationalist, she was a member of The Book Club and participated in a regular bourre card game with some of Monroe’s most interesting women.  She was an incredible cook, a huge soccer fan, and a lover of all things NOLA.  More than anything, she treasured being “Nana” to her grandchildren, who will forever cherish their memories of her. 

Janet Ann Little Moore was preceded in death by her parents, William Joseph and Mary Anita Perez Little of Slidell, her brother and sister-in-law Allen Louis and Kathleen Harris Little of Slidell; and her brother Robert Little of Slidell.  She is survived by her husband, Judge Daniel Milton Moore III of Monroe; her son William Jarrell and grandsons Griffin Douglas and Fisher Daniel Moore of Dallas; and her son Douglas Milton Moore of Baton Rouge.  A visitation will be held from 10:00 to noon on Tuesday, December 20, at Moore Hall at Jesus the Good Shepherd Church, 2510 Emerson St., Monroe, LA 71201.  A Mass and celebration of Janet’s life will be held at noon, and a celebratory reception will be held at Moore Hall following her interment. The family requests that planned memorials be dedicated to Jesus the Good Shepherd School, 900 Good Shepherd Lane, Monroe, Louisiana 71201.

Pallbearers will be; Fredric Amman III, Brian Crawford, Walter Dunn, Tom Hayes III, David Bullock, Aub Ward, David Kelly, and Bret Tugwell. Honorary pallbearer will be Billy Burton.

Online registry/condolences: www.mulhearnfuneralhome.com

Mulhearn Funeral Home

Monroe, Louisiana