Carlena Moses

Carlena Moses, 87 years, four months, three weeks, and five days young, was born October 21, 1934, on a Sunday in Marion, Alabama, the first of three and the only girl born to the proud parents of Mary Lou (Bass) and Eugene Underwood. Eugene provided for his family as a professional chef, and Mary Lou’s profession was in cosmetology. Mary Lou worked at Miss Sue’s Beauty Nook best hairdresser in downtown Birmingham. Both parents preceded her in death. Carlena grew up in Birmingham, Alabama and attended the famous and world’s largest high school in the world for negro children at that present time, Parker High. At that time Parker High was the most talked about school in the country. Carlena and both her brothers, David and Eugene Jr. Underwood (both of whom preceded her in death), attended Parker High. They would often tell stories amongst them, not to be misconstrued but to inspire. Easing on up the road to further her education, Carlena became a member of the Church of Christ. She began seeking more of a biblical life, so Carlena packed her bags and headed north to join her aunt Lillian in Chicago, Illinois. It was here that she furthered her love for God at Monroe Street Church of Christ under the direction of the late Honorable Brother Robert Wood. Great love and peace were abundant while serving under Brother Wood, which inspired Carlena to go on to attend Brother Wood’s Teacher’s Training Class, from where she graduated with honors. Carlena was an avid student of the Bible. After the retirement of Brother Woods, the mantel was passed to Brother Lugo and later passed to present leader, Brother Turner. Carlena loved the Lord and was not ashamed to call out his name. She was a faithful member until death. Carlena took herself on yet another educational journey by attending Keypunch Operator School, and once again graduating top of her class, receiving many scholars and honors. Further up the road Carlena worked for many years at Montgomery Wards as a packer, and then later moving up to Sears Department Store as a keypunch operator. While at Sears, Carlena met many many new and interesting friends. Later down the road Carlena, her brother, her grandson, both her daughters, and a host of other very close friends were all hired at LaGrange General Motors and what an experience. Never ending party. Carlena later retired from General Motors but kept the party going on with her traveling excursions. She loved to travel with her family and close friends, and it was not uncommon to find Carlena on the ocean at least four times in a month. Carlena believed in living her life to its fullest potential. On March 3, 2022, in the early hours of the morning, Carlena eased on up the road a little bit further. She is survived by: her loving daughters, Angela Moses Wright of Westchester, Illinois and Deborah Moses Allen Smith of Chicago, Illinois; two grandsons, Anthony Lonzell Ratcliff of Indianapolis, Indiana and M. Desmond Allen of Los Angeles, California; three great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; one sister-in-law, Sally Underwood of Chicago, Illinois; one niece; two nephews; and a host of other relatives and friends.

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