Helen Moses

November 4, 1941 – January 24, 2025

Helen Moses, beloved wife, mother, grandmother and friend, made the journey to her forever home in Heaven January 24, 2025. Services honoring her memory will be held, February 9, 2025, in the sanctuary of First Baptist Blanchard.  The family will receive friends at 2:00 p.m. with the service following at 3:00 p.m.

Helen was a warrior and fought an earthly battle with polio as a child and post-polio as an adult.  Eldridge and Vera West, Helen's parents made certain she saw herself as fully and completely able.  Regardless of her diagnosis, they ensured Helen would live a completely normal life, holding for her an even higher expectations because of her diagnosis with polio.

Helen will be remembered for her tenacity and strength during adversity; always pushing forward with a smile on her face. Helen was a teacher, having earned a B.A. , M.Ed., and Plus 30 Graduate hours from Northwestern State University supporting her passion for education.  Her career spanned over 40 years, having worked in Caddo Parish Public Schools for over 30 years as a teacher and Central Office Administrator. Following her work in Caddo, she went on to consult for many school districts throughout the State of Louisiana.  She was a pioneer serving as an advocate for individuals with disabilities before Public Law PL 94-142 was enacted. Helen spoke regarding the benefit of inclusive environments for teaching and learning, often moving hurdles for students to achieve academic success. She fought for policy that opened many doors of opportunity for children to achieve industry-based certifications, credentials and standard high school diplomas, creating access to not only curricula, but also school buildings.  Through Helen's efforts, students learned self-advocacy skills that created a venue for hearing the message of post-secondary possibilities where colleges and universities made way for access to higher education.  Students with disabilities are not the only ones who gained from Helen's intelligence, vision, patience and perseverance.  A legacy of Helen's ability to search out talent in the field of education is left to carry on her mission and vision in understanding "Education for all means ALL".

Helen's voice of advocacy extended beyond academics as she supported the work of New Horizon's Independent Living Center, assisting adults with disabilities in the acquisition of safe living environments, peer support groups and other important needs.

Helen's life journey was a life of service, dedicated to meeting needs and caring for others.  She was a devout Christian – a Believer – whose foundational beliefs pointed others to Christ.  Helen was a Proverbs 31 Woman and invested her life in the lives of other women.  Helen and Melvin served together in ministry at First Baptist Church of Blanchard.  They faithfully attended together until her health declined.

Helen is survived by Melvin Moses, her loving husband of 35 years, her son Chuck Conly, step-daughters, Kimberly Williams and Angela Moses, grandchildren,  Kyle Conly (Kaitlynd), Kory Conly, Elle Evans-Bellamy (Matthew), Jacob Conly, Matthew Williams, Katelyn Williams, Troy Moses, Laura Johnson (Josh) and Kaleb Vesek, sister-in-law, Debbie Hynes (Hunter) as well as 9 great-grandchildren and numerous other family members.  Preceded in death are Helen's parents, Eldridge and Vera West, her sister, Martha Tanner, daughter-in-law, Julie Conly, and brother-in-law, Larry Moses.

The family would like to give special thanks to Life Path Hospice, Autumn, Jane, and Eileen; members of First Baptist Church, Blanchard; special friends Sherry Naquin, Gayla Newton and Elaine Atchinson.

Additional thanks to the wonderful friends who have expressed love and sympathy to the family.