Iris L Moore

Iris L Moore was born the eighth of nine children to Aaron Malachi and Vivian Louise McClean Long (of Eastman, GA and Augusta, ME respectively) on November 15, 1946. She attended public schools in Washington D.C.: Lovejoy Elementary, Brown Junior High, and Eastern High School. Graduating second in her class of over 600 seniors, she received a scholarship to attend George Washington University where she earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Mathematical Statistics in 1969. Iris met her former husband Stevens E. Moore (Emma) and her lifelong friend Cherryl Neill Humphreys at George Washington University. She was a founding member of the first black student group at the University and was active in the Civil Rights movement. After graduating, she moved to New Orleans where she lived out the rest of her life in grand fashion. A hidden figure in her own right, her professional career included many amazing accomplishments. She researched the Congressional Budget, did performance evaluation on main frame computers, served as a project lead for the first shuttle launch, STS-1, achieved the position of GS-15 in the Department of Navy, and oversaw the building of a $2 million Information Technology Center for the Naval Oceanographic Office (NAVOCEANO) in Bay St. Louis, Mississippi. After 33 years of dedicated service at NAVOCEANO, she retired in May of 2016. After moving to New Orleans, she became a faithful member of Greater Saint Stephen Full Gospel Baptist Church under the Pastorships of Bishop Paul S. Morton and Dr. Debra B. Morton. She served as one of the original board members of the Women of Excellence Ministry. She was an active member of several Prince Hall Affiliated (PHA) organizations. Iris was a member of the research arm of the Order of Eastern Star, the Ruby E. Williams Chapter of the Phyllis Chapter of the Phylaxis Society. She was a member of Platta Court #114, Imperial Court Daughters, auxiliary to the Ancient Egyptian Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine of North and South America and its Jurisdictions, Inc. She was elected and was honored to serve as Imperial Commandress (International President) for the Imperial Court Daughters and served that position for two years, 2007-2009. As Imperial Commandress, she was the leader of over 12,000 women world-wide and traveled the globe offering guidance and mentoring the members. Having served Platta Court # 114 as Illustrious Commandress from 1982-1983, she went on to receive several appointments in the Imperial Court, including Imperial Convention Directress, which ultimately lead to her election to the Imperial Court Divan (international board of directors). She was a member of New Orleans Assembly #1, Order of the Golden Circle, where she was bestowed the honor Past Grand State Loyal Lady Ruler of the Louisiana State Grand Assembly, Order of the Golden Circle. She was a member of John G. Lewis #1, Order of Eastern Star and served as its District Deputy and Special Deputy for District #1, Order of Eastern Star and Worthy Matron. She was honored with the distinction of Honorary Past Grand Worthy Matron of Esther Grand Chapter, Order of Eastern Star, Inc.-PHA, Louisiana Jurisdiction. Iris was a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR, Ann Arundel Chapter). Her maternal ancestor Tobias Hill was called up from his farm to defend the Maine coast as the British were approaching in 1777. On Tuesday, October 20, 2020, Iris was called to her Heavenly home. She was preceded in death by her parents, Aaron and Vivian Long, three brothers, Charles E. Long, Joseph C. Long, and Aaron Leroy Long, and two sisters, Helen E. Mims and Vivian Jane Smith. She leaves to cherish her memory her son, Kali K. Moore (Kedra), her daughter, Damali T. M. Manuel (Cornell), her grandchildren Rashad Muhammad, Kayla Moore, Kendyll Manuel, Anaya Moore, and Kori Manuel, two sisters, Charlotte Fleming (Alton L.), Louella Jacqueline Long, and one brother, John E. Long, a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other family, PHAmily, and friends. Due to the Government Social Distancing Guidelines, the family prepares for a private service, however a public visitation will be held on Saturday, October 31, 2020 from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM at D.W. Rhodes Funeral Home, 3933 Washington Ave. followed by a private funeral service. MASKS are required to enter the funeral home. Arrangements by D.W. Rhodes Funeral Home. Please visit www.rhodesfuneral.com to sign the online guestbook, share memories and condolences to the family. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: National Kidney Foundation of Louisiana 8200 Hampson Street Suite 425 New Orleans, LA 70118 For online donations visit https://kidneyla.org.