Booker T. Moses

Booker T. Moses (named for Booker T. Washington) was born in Camden, South Carolina on October 28, 1935. He was also affectionately called “Jimmy” and “Grandaddio.”  Booker T. was the second oldest of thirteen children of Bertha Haynesworth and John Moses. As a youngster, he worked on the farm and helped to care for his younger siblings. While at Jackson High School, he was one of the first students recruited to be a school bus driver for the African- American children in the community, which sparked a lifelong passion for driving. He joined the United States Army in 1954, becoming a sergeant before the end of his tour of duty.

After serving in the U.S. Army, he migrated to New York where he met and married his wife, Elease Lloyd, of sixty-three years. He was the proud father of five daughters, Teresa, Cynthia, Melanie, Ava and Lori.

Booker T. prioritized work and was a hard worker. He worked for the New York City Metropolitan Transit Authority for almost 25 years, first as a conductor, and then as a motorman. After retiring from the MTA, he worked for the United States Postal Service.

In his final retirement from USPS, Booker T. embraced being a full-time devoted father and grandfather, going to music and dance recitals, ball games, birthday celebrations, and graduations, and vacationing with his family. He was a “foodie” and loved southern cuisine. He was a good cook, known for his fried fish, fried chicken and cornbread.  He also loved music, driving and had a passion for cars. In 2008, Booker T. suffered a stroke. Despite his health challenges, he kept a positive outlook on life and always had a kind and often funny word for anyone he met.

Booker T. leaves to mourn and cherish his memory: his beloved wife, Elease Moses: Children -Teresa Reed, Cynthia Moses, Melanie Moses Watson, Ava Moses, and Lori Moses; Sons-in-law -Thomas Reed, and Huston Watson Sr.; Grandchildren -Tushan Hamm, Harvey Hamm, Lydell Hamm, Jamell Hamm, Terell Hamm, Huston Watson Jr., Corryn Watson, Lloyd Watson, and Charlotte Watson; Great Grandchildren -Tiara Hamm, Damani Hamm, Amorr Hamm, Daija Hamm, Tyler Hamm and Desiree Hamm; Sisters - Cora Williams, Ruth Favor, Ruby Boyd (John), Maggie Sutton, Rebecca Peay (Isaac), Nora Lee Gatlin, and Mary (Shirley) Ann Favor; Brothers - John (Jackie) Moses Jr., Frank Moses (Marjorie), and James Edward (Tody) Moses [nephew]; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, neighbors, and caregivers.

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