A Celebration of the Life of My Mother

Lou Ray Poe Goss

October 6, 1937 – April 25, 2022

By Melanie Jane Goss Nelson

My beautiful Mom, Lou Ray Goss, passed away at the age of 84 years on the morning of April 25, 2022.  Mom was born on October 6, 1937 in Schlater, Mississippi.  She was the 8 ^th child of Martin and Nancy Jane (Robinson) Poe.  Mom is preceded in death by her parents; her loving husband of 60 years – Dayne Goss; her son Joel Goss; her three brothers – Lois Poe, Herbert Poe and Howard Poe; and four of her sisters – Verna Mae McCoy, Theosa Cummings, Pearl Whitaker and Faye Bradshaw.

Mom is survived by her sister, Mearl Sewell of Greenville, MS and her brother-in-law, Harold Whitaker of Eupora, MS. She is also survived by me, her daughter, Melanie Jane Goss Nelson; and son-in-law Gil Nelson of Spring, TX; two grandchildren: Cody Gilbert Nelson of Katy, TX; and Jennifer Ray Nelson Heep of New Braunfels, TX; and one great grandchild: Haylee Ray Heep of New Braunfels, TX.  Mom is also survived by a loving extended family of nieces and nephews.

Mom grew up in a large family in the Mississippi Delta. Her father was a farmer, which meant the family farmed as well.  They might not have had material wealth, but their home was always overflowing with love.  It was a place where everyone felt welcomed.  My cousins all agree that while growing up, we didn't know how lucky we were to be a part of the Poe family.  We have many wonderful childhood memories with our cousins, grandparents, aunts and uncles.

Mom attended Minter City High School where she participated in cheerleading and basketball.  This is also the place where my parents met.  After Mom's graduation, they married on October 11, 1958 at the Schlater Baptist Church.  My parents were unique in that they shared a birthday… both the date and year!  Family was so important to Mom.  And she loved being a grandmother to Cody and Jennifer.  They brought her a lot of joy.  Mom was a devoted Christian, daughter, sister, wife, mother, mother-in-law, grandmother, great grandmother, aunt, neighbor and friend.

Mom's first career after high school was as a medical records secretary at Greenwood Lefore Hospital. Upon my birth, she chose to stay home to care for me, and then 3 ½ years later, my brother as well.  When I started college, Mom began her second career as a teacher's aide in the Spring Branch ISD in Houston, TX.  She retired 20 years later!

Our little family moved to various cities in Mississippi and Texas throughout my Dad's career.  Mom always made sure we had a comfortable and loving home wherever we lived.  She was always involved in our school activities.  And no matter how far we lived from her parents and siblings, we always traveled back to Mississippi for summer vacations and holidays.

Mom's Christian faith was a big part of her life.  She sang in the church choir for as long as I can remember.  She taught Sunday school and worked in the church nursery.  She served on various church committees and was always available to lend a helping hand.

Our family wishes to extend our gratitude to Mom's and Dad's at-home caregiver – Sherrill Woods; and the Staff at The Heritage of The Woodlands Memory Care facility for the wonderful care they gave Mom during her final years.  With special thanks going to Bri, Karla, Evelyn, Ezekiel, Rene, Ronnie and Jessica.  And thanks to Mom's Hospice Nurses, Lauren and Carly, for always being there for us.  You all helped me in so many ways during Mom's struggle with Alzheimer's disease.

I miss my beautiful, classy Southern Mom.  She taught me so much over the years…to love God and Family, to treat people with kindness and respect, to always do your best, to take pride in your appearance, to be loyal to your friends, and to be a good neighbor.

In lieu of flowers, we ask that you consider a donation to Alzheimer's Research in Mom's memory.