DORIS SIMMONS BROWN – President, Moody Family Reunion
I currently serve as Moody Family Reunion President. In the past, I have served as Treasurer, Vice President and Lizzie Branch Representative. I have attended 51 reunions. I have only missed three.
I am a retired Banker and Operations Executive. I currently serve as Trustee for a K-8 Charter School and a K-12 Independent Private School. I am a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution, lifetime member of Jack and Jill and member of Emmanuel Baptist Church, where I have led their Teens That Mean Business internship program. I am an alum of NYU Stern School of Business and Pace University.
I am a descendant of the Lizzie Branch, 5th generation, daughter of Lucille and Mancy, granddaughter of Lizzie and William, great granddaughter of Amanda and John Oscar Jr. My late beloved husband Melvin and I have two daughters, April and Melissa.
At an earlier time in my life, I was an avid disco roller skater skating at Studio 54 amongst other NYC places.
“To whom much is given, much is expected.” Never forget who you are and the strong roots in which you come from. Always give back and pay it forward. Protect your legacy.
QUNEA GORDON – Vice President, Moody Family Reunion
I am a proud member of the Milledge Walter Branch and humbly serve as the Vice President. My love for family has inspired me to be committed to the next generation of family leaders.
As a native of Hallandale Beach, FL, education has always played an integral part in my life. After graduating in the top 10% of Hallandale High School in 1978, I matriculated to Miami-Dade Community College where I received an Associate of Arts Degree in Business. My next level of higher education continued at Florida A & M University, Tallahassee, FL, where I completed the qualifications for the Bachelor of Science Degree majoring in Computer Information Systems. A life-long learner, I continued my post graduate studies at the University of Phoenix, graduating in 2017, with a master’s degree in business administration (MBA).
In 1987, I was hired as the first African American Programmer Analyst at Broward County’s Information Resource Management Division (IRMD). I worked dual positions as an on-call Programmer Analyst for Broward County’s payroll system and as a freelance makeup artist. My pursuit of excellence not only grew in Broward County but also in the field of Beauty, Wedding, and Imaging Consulting. Believing I could have influence in the professional attire of Broward County’s employees, I volunteered for a decade as an Image Consultant Trainer conducting “Professional Image Workshops” which changed the lives of many high school graduates who entered Broward County’s workforce. I believe in utilizing every God given talent to accomplish my purpose in life making the universe a better place. Spiritually rooted is the foundation that keeps me Star Power illuminated. My motto ‘Let “Q” Bring Out the Star in You’ has been my focus for thirty plus years. My Star Power, as a Professional Makeup Artist has touched and changed the lives of well over a thousand Brides in South Florida and Atlanta.
I retired as a seasoned Project Manager and worked for over thirty-five years with Broward County Government Enterprise Technology Services (ETS). My result-driven skills and proven leadership led the infrastructure project for the award winning “Young at Art” Children’s Museum, the Broward County Library and Broward County Seventeenth Judicial Circuit of Florida – Judicial Complex.
Although retired, I continue to work diligently in the Hallandale Beach community as President of the Hallandale Community Civic Association, Inc., board member of the Friends of the Hepburn Center, board member of the Hallandale Scholarship Fund, Inc., Founder of the Hallandale Beach Grassroot “Your Vote Matters Social Action” movement, South Broward Ministerial Alliance Black Fathers Weekend Movement, a dedicated member of Ebenezer Baptist Church, and a charter member of my beloved Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, South Broward Alumnae Chapter.
I am an advocate for promoting a healthy lifestyle and my journey has been captured in the book entitled “No Glory Without a Story.” I am a Sun-Sentinel Life Victories Survivor and attribute my spirituality while living a clean and healthy life to me being cancer free for over 20 years.
I am a Leadership Broward Foundation graduate-Class 30, which is Broward County’s premier leadership development training organization. This Foundation has a 35-year history of preparing and connecting leaders from the business and civic communities to strengthen Florida’s future.
I am a daughter of Juanita Gordon, granddaughter of Mary Ann Moody Gordon, great granddaughter of Milledge Walter Moody.
KHALIA JONES – Treasurer, Moody Family Reunion
Hello, everyone! I am thrilled to be serving as the treasurer for the Moody Family Reunion Executive Board for the second year in a row. It’s an honor to be entrusted with the responsibility of managing our reunions finances, and I’m excited to contribute to the success of the 55th year celebration.
I currently serve as a District Manager for FSNB, N.A. (Bank) as a dedicated and highly motivated individual with a passion for Financial management and leadership development.
I’m proud to be Wayne R. Jones Sr.’s daughter, Gertrude (Moody) Jones’ granddaughter, Dan Moody’s great-granddaughter and a great great granddaughter of Amanda & John Oscar Moody. The ideals and traditions that have been passed down have made an indisputable influence because each generation has left an enduring imprint on our family’s history.
I am fascinated by travel. I love to learn about new cultures and make connections wherever I go. I especially love visiting beaches, art-science museums and historical landmarks everywhere I go.
Favorite Scripture or Quote – “Families are like branches on a tree. We grow in different directions yet our roots remain as one.” -unknown
The journey through our family’s lineage is a testament to the resilience, love, and strength that runs deep within us. It is through the stories of our immediate family and the generations that came before us that we gain a profound understanding of our identity and heritage. Let us cherish these connections, honor our ancestors, and continue to nurture the bond that unites us as a family.
THELMA WHITE, Recording Secretary, Moody Family Reunion
I am currently serving as the Recording Secretary. Most pf my participation is when the Johnny branch is hosting the Moody Family Reunions.
Personal bio – Currently serving as Administrative Assistant at my church, Fairview Missionary Baptist Church, Augusta, GA. Proud 1966 graduate of Jefferson High School in Langley, Bath, S. Completed Studies at the Augusta Theological Seminary, an extension of the American Baptist College in Nashville TN to receive a Certificate in Christian Training and a Diploma in Theology. Currently serves as the Registrar of the Augusta Theological Seminary since 2004
Member of the IBPO Elks of the World Inc. since 1987, R A Dent Temple #1349, Augusta, GA. Serving as State President of the Georgia State Association Daughters of Elks since 2003. Member of Fairview Missionary Baptist Church in Augusta, GA. Sings in the choir, member of seniors ministry, and loves to travel. Children Ernest Hardwick, Jr., Larhonda Coleman, Jennifer Cobb
I am a descendant of the Dan Branch, daughter of Daniel Webster Moody, Sr. & Ethel Mae Moody, granddaughter of Amanda & John Oscar Moody.
“If I can help somebody as I pass along, if I can cheer somebody with a word or song, if I can show somebody he’s traveling wrong, then my living will not be in vain.” ~Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
NIKKE GANT – Corresponding Secretary, Moody Family Reunion
I currently serve as the Moody Family Reunion Corresponding Secretary. In the past, I have served as President, Corresponding Secretary and Lizzie Branch Representative.
I have an Advertising/Marketing background with experience working for advertising powerhouses and brands that include Ogilvy & Mather, Saatchi & Saatchi, Prudential and Cox Automotive. I am currently a Senior Specialist, Multicultural Marketing at The Home Depot. I am a member of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Incorporated and a founding board member of the Heart and Soul of Atlanta Foundation, Inc, where I will serve as the Corporate Sponsorship Director. My educational endeavors lead me to receive a BA in Communication at SUNY Albany and an MBA from Montclair State University.
I am a descendant of the Lizzie Branch, 6th generation, daughter of Gail Gant Williamson and Charles Gant, granddaughter of LueRay (Dunbar) and George Williamson, great granddaughter of Lizzie and William, great great granddaughter of Amanda and John Oscar Jr.
I had a blast as a production assistant back in the day. I worked on the original “The Best Man” as the personal talent assistant to the core cast (Nia, Regina, Sanaa, Taye, Morris, Harold, Terrance), served in the same capacity for a Tropicana commercial with Judith Jamison and was a production assistant and hand model stand in for Mary J Blige in the “Seven Days” video.
“The LORD bless you and keep you; the LORD make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you; the LORD turn his face toward you and give you peace” ~Numbers 6: 24-26 — This scripture reminds me that the life we have the privilege to live is a gift from the Most High and he always covers his children… Always…
DONALD LOVELL JR. – Technology Chair, Moody Family Reunion
I currently serve as the Moody Family Reunion Technology Chair and have served at this capacity for the past few years.
I began my technical career in 1995 with Electronic Data Systems in Lansing, MI, gaining unparalleled experience in the technical support space, while also establishing myself as a respected leader amongst my peers. Fast forward to today, I am the President and CEO for the company I founded in 2007, Trouble Shooters Technical Support. Widely known for my customer service, unique technical solutions, warm demeanor, and knowledgeable expertise, I worked in the technical support industry for 27 years, gaining experience in the latest technologies including Cloud Computing, Cybersecurity, Backup & Disaster Recovery and Managed IT services. My company provides IT services to various size companies locally and beyond from the CIO level on down.
Aside from my work in the tech space, I am a serial entrepreneur and have business ventures in the consulting, marine, property and media industries. Driven by the desire to create generational wealth for my family, I take pride in mentoring young entrepreneurs in order to help them achieve their life goals. I have a bachelor’s degree in communications from Michigan State University and hold various certifications with Microsofts XXX. I am also a licensed captain with the United States Coast Guard. While my business engagements have taken me around the country, I am happy to call the greater Lansing area my home.
I am the son of Donald & Barbara Lovell, grandson of Lucille & Mancy Givens, great grandson of Lizzie & William Dunbar, great great grandson of Amanda & John Oscar Moody. Outside of the office, Donald enjoys spending time with his family, boating, playing video games and riding his motorcycle.
HARRY GORDON – Parliamentarian, Moody Family Reunion
ROBIN JONES – Fundraising Chair, Moody Family Reunion