Inez Moore
“One of a kind” is woefully inadequate to describe Inez Moore. After her arrival, God shattered the mold into a thousand pieces and flung the shards into the universe. She was a rare and beautiful spirit.
Inez Selena Long was born July 26, 1937, at Homer G. Phillips Hospital in St. Louis, the same year the city’s renowned hospital for African-Americans opened. She was the third child of Albert Long and Carmelita Bordeaux Long’s 15 children. The family lived in the Ville neighborhood, home to the new hospital and a burgeoning Black middle class.
Inez attended Cote Brilliant Elementary School and Sumner High School, the first high school for African Americans west of the Mississippi River. She attended Sumner until May 1953, when she began studying at Mount Euphrasia school at the Convent of Good Shepard. It was there that she decided to become a nun. In 1956, Inez entered the convent of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet as a postulant, preparing to be admitted to her religious community. She took her first vows and became a nun in 1959.
Inez continued her studies at Fontbonne University to become a teacher. She taught school throughout most of her adult life. In 1961, she left the convent and began teaching at a Catholic elementary school in St. Louis. During summer breaks, she traveled to cities around the country to visit friends she met along the way.
In 1967, she had one of the most important meetings of her life. She met Emmitt Moore in the elevator at the Gotham apartments in North St. Louis. She and Emmitt married in 1968 and began their life together in a small apartment on Delmar. In 1970, they
welcomed their first daughter, Traci Lynise, and, in April 1971, a second daughter, Staci Denise, was born.
After the birth of their second daughter, the couple purchased their first house in University City, where they made their home for more than 40 years. Inez continued to teach at various Catholic schools, including St. Rita’s in Vinita Park, where she taught 4th grade. She was a gifted artist whose bulletin boards were the envy of the school. Her displays were so magnificent that other teachers sought out her design skills.
She moved from teaching to social services, working for community organizations and, later, the Head Start program. But Inez had a flair for all things creative and channeled her talents into decorating her home and gardening. She made her daughters’ Halloween costumes, making them the best-dressed characters in the neighborhood.
Inez was a radiant presence who died unexpectedly on Tuesday, January 18, 2022, at the small apartment she’d moved to after her husband of 53 years, Emmitt, entered a care facility.
In addition to Emmitt, Inez leaves behind her beloved daughters, Traci Moore and Staci Moore Michalicek (Rick); and the joys of her heart, her five grandchildren, Ethan, Aaron, Jordan, Collin and Morgan Michalicek. She also leaves behind eight of her
siblings, Josephine Newson, Gwendolyn Stribbling, Marie Murray, Roberta Brown, Thomas Long, Ruth Douglas, Robert Burse and Kenneth Harper. She is preceded in death by siblings, Carmelita Murray, Albert Long Jr., Marian Long, Sharon Long, Joann Marie Long and Belford Burse.
Animals, especially dogs, occupied a corner of her heart, including her “granddog,” Oscar, who recently preceded her in death.
A lovely tribute to an extraordinary woman. Condolences and love to your beautiful family.
Inez, my aunt, was a great lady. She will be missed greatly! ❤️ She was everything and so much more. Gone to soon. Love you, miss you, adore you.
Beautiful tribute I am niece great niece if Salena and Dalton. This is such an beautiful tribute may your mom rest in paecevabd praying for all my St.Louis Family 🙏🙏🙏
May God comfort your hearts
I loved getting to know Inez and Emmitt when Cuddles and I visited at the nursing home. She always had such great stories. Thanks for the story about Inez.
Lovely lady, lovely life. Condolences to the family.
Beautifully written tribute. There’s always something new to learn about Inez. Sending comfort and love.
This is beautifully said!!! ❤️❤️❤️
Emmitt E
She was the love of my life, and I miss her very much. She proceeded me to our heavenly home, but I will see her again. I have many wonderful memories of our family, extended family and friends. Inez is at home with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, no more striving l more pain no more sorrows.
Thanks for all of your condolences.
Now I know where you get your talents and good looks Traci. Your mom will always live in the garden of your heart.
Beautiful tribute. So many wonderful memories of your mom. My prayers and condolences to you all during this time.
Beautifully written!!! I will miss Inez… she was a wonderful person!!
Inez my sister was one of a kind. I still have the memories of us growing up together, she will be truly missed.
Inez my aunt was a wonderful women, I looked up to her, she made me want to be a teacher. I will truly miss her. My prayers are with the family!
What a life well lived.
Nez my dear sister. She was there for me on one of the most important days of my life, My Wedding day. I guess being a bridesmaid for me must have jinxed her, she met Emmitt the next
year and the rest is history. I will truly miss you and all the tips on growing my plants, sewing
and decorating in the early years.
I’m So Sorry To See & Hear This…My Condolences Goes Out To All The Family. 🙏🏾 This Was Very Well Written…BEAUTIFUL! ❤ May You Forever Rip Mrs. Inez 👼🏾🕊
My aunt Inez was a beacon of light to all she came in contact with. I have so may memory of living down the street from her on Delmar in U City. Well now she and my mom can sit and have a beer and talk about the rest of us. Love you auntie R.I.P.
This tribute is magnificent, just as I imagined your mother. Our hearts are broken for you, with this unexpected and sudden passing. But we know each of you will carry on her fiery spirit and zest for life. Sending you much love and our deepest sympathies, Traci, Staci, and family.