Marion "Rea" Hoyet (Bryant) Moody Obituary (1935

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Marion "Rea" Hoyet Moody, who left us peacefully at the age of 88 on April 6, 2023, surrounded by her loving family. Born on February 13, 1935, in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Rea was the daughter of Mary Rowell and John Wesley Bryant. She is survived by her devoted children, stepchildren, grandchildren, and numerous great-grandchildren. Rea was predeceased by her beloved husband, Chip Moody Sr., who passed away in 2019 after 42 years of marriage. She is survived by her three daughters, Kimberly Ann Moody (J. Gordon Scannell), Anne Elizabeth Beall (Michael W. Tuck), and Katherine Jane Beall-Ellinghausen (Tom Ellinghausen); and her three stepsons, Thad Moody (Roxanne), Shawn Moody (Chrissi), and Chip Moody Jr. (Suzanne). She leaves behind a legacy of love in her grandchildren, Christopher Moody, Tasha Moody, Heather Moody, Danielle Moody, Jim Moody, Ben Moody, Nate Moody, Stanis Moody-Roberts, Elise Moody-Roberts, Graham Ellinghausen, Dylan Ellinghausen, Taylor Moody, Trey Moody, Cameron Moody, Alexander Tuck, Max Tuck, and many great-grandchildren. Rea attended Istrouma High School and went on to build a successful career as an executive administrative assistant. She worked at several major organizations, including Tufts University, where she managed staff and oversaw significant functions in a time when women faced limited career opportunities. A woman of many talents, Rea had a passion for working with her hands. She found joy in sewing, cooking, painting, photography, knitting, weaving, gardening, and creating beauty wherever she went. Rea was an active member of her local choir and maintained a stunning soprano voice well into her eighties. Writing was also a passion for Rea, and she found great joy in capturing her stories for family and friends. After the passing of her husband, Rea moved to Friendship Village in Schaumburg, IL, where she continued to share her love for the arts. She taught painting classes, baked cakes for residents' birthdays, and formed many close friendships. Rea's vibrant personality and sense of humor were cherished by those who knew her, even in her final days when she would sing to her family about "dancing bears." Rea's greatest love was her family, and she cherished every moment spent with them. She leaves behind a legacy of love, joy, and laughter that will be deeply missed by all who were fortunate to know her. A memorial service to honor Rea's life will be held at Friendship Village at 350 W. Schaumburg Road, Schaumburg, IL on April 30, 2023 from 1:00pm to 2:30pm in Sarah's Grove. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to a charity of your choice in Rea's memory.