Clara "Jean" Parden Moody

Clara “Jean" Parden Moody, 91, joined her husband, granddaughter, and other family members in Heaven on Wednesday, January 13, 2021. Jean was born on May 6, 1929 to Charlie R. and Eva E. Parden in Lucedale, Mississippi. She finished high school in Starkville, MS, after marrying the love of her life, Dwight L. Moody, on December 28, 1945. She slowly continued her college education through the years by commuting from Pascagoula at night to University of Southern Mississippi in Hattiesburg after teaching first grade all day at Orange Lake Elementary School in Moss Point. Jean was a natural introvert; however, she blossomed in her career. In 1967, Jean was one of 25 persons chosen statewide for a fellowship program at the University of Mississippi to earn a Specialist's degree. After earning this degree, she became the Reading Coordinator for the Pascagoula School District. Also, during this time, she became the International Reading Association's Southeast Regional Conference Chair and coordinated the regional conference in Biloxi. At her retirement, Jean was the Coordinator for the Federal Programs for Pascagoula Schools. Jean's first love was family, and she was a true caregiver at heart. Whether it was her relatives or her in-laws, she welcomed all with opened arms. Whatever she had was shared lovingly with them. However, her pride and joy were her twin granddaughters, Amanda Claire and Emily Kristen Skinner. She was focused on providing educational experiences, as well as sewing dresses and costumes, for them. Jean made sure that the girls were afforded every opportunity possible to grow into well-rounded young women. Jean was preceded in death by her husband, Dwight L. Moody; granddaughter, Amanda Claire Skinner Touchette; parents, Charlie and Eva Parden; and siblings, Helen P. Fairley, Dillie McCommon, Alda Faye Hill, Carl E. Parden, and Bettye Nell Hinton. Jean is survived by her daughter, Pamela Jean Moody Skinner; son-in-law, Raymond Skinner; granddaughter, Emily Kristen Skinner; youngest sister, Del Parden Roberts; as well as numerous nieces and nephews. In lieu of flowers the family would prefer donations be made to Biloxi Schools Excel by 5, which will purchase books for children, art materials for the art rooms, materials for Teaching Tots Program, etc. Contact Information: Susan Hunt, Excel by 5 Certification Manager Biloxi First Foundation, Inc., P.O. Box 982, Biloxi, MS 39533 or call 228-297-6808. The family would like to extend special thanks to Kindred Hospice for their support during this difficult time, especially Nurse Sue, Pastor Ken, and Social Worker Lynn. Because of COVID, a family graveside service will be held on Saturday, January 30, 2021 the family plot at New Hope Baptist Church in Agricola, MS. Bradford-O’Keefe Funeral Home, Howard Avenue in Biloxi, is honored to serve the Moody family.