McCord

Myrtis Moore McCord, 90, recently of Rockdale, crossed the Jordan peacefully, and with great anticipation, on Oct. 15, 2022.

She was admired by everyone who me t h e r— from young children who were attracted to her like magnets, to family and friends who sought out her wisdom and humor, to those who cared for her in her final years, many of whom confessed that, although they weren’t supposed to have favorites, Myrtis was their favorite.

Myrtis was born on Feb. 1, 1932, to Geneva and Virgil Moore in their home in Belden, Mississippi.

The first person in her family to attend college, she earned a B.A. from Blue Mountain College and a Master of Library Science from Louisiana State University.

She met her beloved and adoring husband, Joe McCord, at a party at LSU, as he made beer in a kitchen sink. They married on March 16, 1963.

Despite growing up in poverty, Myrtis had a ridiculously happy childhood, which she and Joe gave their own children, Gretchen and Jody. They taught their children that the greatest sources of joy are family and friends, knowledge and learning, nature, helping others, and honoring the giants on whose shoulders we all stand.

Myrtis was a true steel magnolia, both exemplifying and challenging traditional roles and expectations. She did not think of herself as brave, yet she consistently faced her fears to stand up for what was right and to protect others.

Myrtis lived a remarkable life through extraordinary times, and she will be sorely missed by all.

She is preceded in death by her parents and her husband; brother Jon Orion Moore and wife Evelyn; brothers-in-law Lynn McCord, Jim McCord and wife Lorine, Clarence McCord and Jesse McCord; and nephews Marcus Moore, Michael McCord and Kody McCord.

She is survived by daughter Gretchen McCord DeFlorio and son-in-law Dominick DeFlorio of Rockdale; son Jody McCord (CO); sisters- in-law Frances McCord (LA) and Jean McCord (GA); numerous nieces, nephews, and their children; and countless friends, colleagues, former students, and more, all grateful that she was a part of their lives.

See details about the Nov. 18, 2022, in-person and virtual gathering to celebrate Myrtis, as well information about in lieu donations, at www.holdingspaceevents. com/myrtis-mccord.

Mrs. McCord