Lela E. Moffett

Lela E. Moffett was born on December 31, 1935, to Alfred and Sisley Ellis in Louin, Mississippi. Raised with strong values of love, faith, and family, she carried those principles throughout her life. On April 16, 1957, she married C.Z. Moffett, and together they built a home grounded in love, commitment, and devotion to their family. Lela was remembered for her warm heart, gentle spirit, and the deep affection she showed to all those around her.

A woman of strong faith, Lela believed in the Lord Jesus Christ and openly confessed Him as her Savior. She was a faithful member of St. Mark C.M.E. Church in Joliet, Illinois, for many years, where she served diligently as President of the Stewardess Board. She approached every task with dedication and remained committed to serving her church and community. Lela worked various jobs throughout her life and retired from BorgWarner Automotive. Known for her strong work ethic, she was rarely late—except on days when the Chicago Bulls were playing.

Lela passed peacefully on March 7, 2026, surrounded by her loving family. She was preceded in death by her parents, Alfred and Sisley Ellis; her parents-in-law, Carzell and Mayola Moffett; her sons, Raymond and Michael Moffett; her brothers, Alfred and Oree Ellis; her grandsons, Randy Moffett, Demetrius Moffett, and Phillip O’Large; and her close cousins, Maxine Boykin and Bonnie Smith.

She is survived by her devoted husband of 68 years, C.Z. Moffett; her loving children, Renee Moffett, Vernice Moffett, Curtis Moffett, and Sheila Moffett; and her stepdaughters, Debra O’Large and Dennise O’Large. She also leaves behind her four sisters, Rosa Heard, Hazel (LeRoy) Endicott, Mildred (Jackie) Keene, and Sandra Chandler-Dillard, along with cherished in-laws, many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, special nieces and nephews including Sharon Mitchell-Banks, Donna Ellis, Jetson Mitchell, and Kevin Mitchell, and a wide circle of extended family and dear friends who will forever hold her memory in their hearts.