BY JENNIFER HOlMES

CONTRIBUTING WRITER

GRAMERCY – In 1996 Lois E. Jones-Moore received a call she couldn’t ignore.

“Even though I was born under the preacher, my father, I would never have thought I would have been the one called to the ministry,” said Moore.

She never imagined her life of travel would end and she would find her life purpose in Gramercy, La.

“I told God I wanted to travel,” said Moore, and that she did.

In 1966 Moore left Louisiana and went to Chicago, then Arizona, Colorado and Virginia. For 27 years Moore traveled the U.S. and worked in the medical field assisting those in need and managing operations.

“My desire has always been helping people. Hands-on helping people,” said Moore.

Twelve years ago Moore came home to Louisiana and developed the Redeem and Restore Multipurpose Ministry in honor of her late father, the Rev. Dr. Samuel Jones. The ministry is a non-profit organization dedicated to helping people within the community. It has helped those in need by distributing clothes, paying emergency hospital bills, assisting people in attaining housing and distributing food throughout the community.

“You just have to get involved. Once you get involved the rest of it comes easy,” said Moore.

Moore is definitely involved with the community. She is a chairperson for the St. James Council on Aging, was selected by St. James Parish councilmen to reside on the committee for the South Central Planning and Development Commission, is a Culture Diversity team member and was recently re-elected as a commissioner for St. James Parish Housing Authority for an additional five-year term.

“God has prepared me. I know from the results from the things that I do, it is not of my doing,” said Moore.

According to Moore, God is her strength and the one who motivates her and blesses her with the ability to live an active and productive lifestyle. Moore also attributes her success to the teachings and the strong up-bringing by her father and her mother.

Said Moore, “It’s an easy task knowing I’m not doing it through myself, but I’m also doing it with the help of God.”

The community has taken note of Moore’s involvement, and recently she was named Outstanding Community Service Award recipient for her contributions to the community and commitment to making life better for its citizens.

“I was amazed and surprised,” said Moore. “I don’t do things for fame or fortune. I do it because there’s a need in the community. I see the needs of the community and bring it to the attention of the parish officials. I become a voice for the people.”