Elizabeth Beatrice Moody

When God whispered to Elizabeth Beatrice Moody to come home, her long and beautiful life of 89 years came to an end. Like the flower that blooms in early spring with beauty and fragrance, so was her life. She was that flower plucked from our midst to be with our Lord and Savior. She was a devoted mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister-in-law, aunt, and friend, leaving behind a legacy of love, faith, and kindness.

Born Lizzie Beatrice Alston on September 25, 1935, in Warren County, North Carolina, Elizabeth was the second of three children born to the late Annie Belle Russell (Alston) and Jesse Desmus Alston, Sr. of Macon, North Carolina. She was named after her late grandmother, Lizzie Queen Russell (Jones), and later changed her name to Elizabeth, becoming affectionately known as “Queen Liz” to family and friends.

Raised in a home deeply rooted in Christian faith, Elizabeth’s parents instilled in her at an early age the importance of loving and serving the Lord. She was a lifelong member of Ebenezer Baptist Church in Portsmouth, Virginia, where she was active in the Ebenezer Service League, finding joy in service, fellowship, and worship.

Elizabeth was a proud graduate of Portsmouth Public Schools and often reminisced about being part of the very first graduating class of I.C. Norcom High School in 1953. Known for her outgoing, caring, and spirited personality, she was an active cheerleader, a member of the home economics club, choir, and various extracurricular activities. She continued her education at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical University (NCA&T) and Norfolk State College, where her charismatic personality and leadership qualities led her to be crowned one of the Queens of the Air Force ROTC unit. She was also honored as one of the Queens of the Harvest Festival, sponsored by Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated®, Gamma Delta Omega Chapter in Portsmouth, Virginia.

Elizabeth found great love and partnership when she married the man of her dreams, Millard Moody, Sr., with whom she shared a journey of 50 beautiful years until his passing. Their love was steadfast, their bond unbreakable, and now they are reunited for eternity. God blessed their union with four children: Dana Russina, Diancia Cetrece, Millard Jr., and Darrell Derron Moody (preceded in death).

Together, Elizabeth and Millard, Sr. built a legacy of entrepreneurship and community service as the proud proprietors of The Seventh Street East Motel & Lounge, the first Black-owned and operated motel in Portsmouth, Virginia, serving the community for over 20 years.

Elizabeth dedicated 40 years of service to the Portsmouth Public School System as an educator and mentor, primarily serving as a substitute teacher across various schools. A gracious lady always willing to assist, she created a high-quality and effective learning environment, earning recognition and admiration from students and colleagues alike. She was a strong advocate for education and personal growth, encouraging young minds to pursue excellence and success through learning.

Elizabeth was preceded in death by her parents, brother Jesse Desmus (“J.D.”) Alston, Jr., sister Emily Payne, husband Millard Moody, Sr., and son Darrell Derron Moody. She leaves to cherish her memory her loving children, Dr. Dana Russina Harris (Tony) of Evans, Georgia; Diancia Cetrece McIntyre of Chesapeake, Virginia; and Millard Moody, Jr. (Linda) of Mitchellville, Maryland. She is also survived by her cherished granddaughters, Tanya Monique Meriweather (née Harris) of Marietta, Georgia; Yakina P’La White (formerly DuBose) of Washington, D.C.; ChéLa Monét McIntyre of Richmond, Virginia; Danielle Nicole Moody and Lauren Monét Moody, both of Mitchellville, Maryland. Her beloved great-grandchildren include Cameryn, Coston, and Caleb DuBose; London and Bryce Meriweather.

Elizabeth’s kindness, integrity, and unwavering devotion to her family and community left an indelible mark on all who knew her. She was a maternal force, not only for her own children but for any child in need of comfort, compassion, and guidance.

As we celebrate Elizabeth’s life, we do not dwell on how she left this world but on how she lived—with grace, wisdom, and an endless love for others. She has earned her golden wings and now dances in victory before the Lord, free from pain and suffering.

Her legacy of love, strength, and faith will continue to live on in the hearts of those who were blessed to know her.

Rest well, Queen Liz. Your journey here is complete, but your spirit remains eternal.