Essie Mae Moss

Our beloved Nanny, Essie Mae (Bradberry) Moss passed away peacefully at the age of 93, on Wednesday May 25, 2016. Essie was the daughter of Joe and Alma Bradberry. She was a lifelong resident of Cottonwood, Alabama, and attended Cottonwood High School. Essie loved her family, her friends, her pets and her life. From a young age, Nanny actively served in her church. She happily worshipped as a Charter member of Calvary Baptist Church in Cottonwood. She was the oldest member of the church. She avidly saw the good in people and taught her grandchildren to do the same and to love others exactly as they are. Essie could often be found in her garden, as she had a sincere gift for growing the most beautiful flowers. Essie worked at Kmart in the jewelry department for many years. After her retirement, she stayed busy volunteering through church activities and helping out at Sadie's Flea market. In 1975, Nanny suffered the loss of her only child, Doward Moss, but, being a strong and independent woman with deep faith, she persevered. She was also preceded in death by her parents, her longtime and beloved companion, Jack Goff; brothers J.F. Bradberry and Buford Bradberry; and her sister, Loyla Mae Bradberry Everett. Nanny had a very close and special relationship with her big sister Loyla Mae. Her family and friends take great comfort knowing that Aunt Loyla Mae will be dancing at the Pearly Gates when our Nanny arrives. She was "The Best" Nanny ever. She leaves behind three grandchildren that she adored: Shari Moss Krentzel and her husband, Troy (Nevada); Lt. Cmdr. Julie Moss (Pennsylvania); and Doward Wayne Moss "Diggy" (Florida); six great-grandchildren: Chris Spivey, Cory Williams, Devin Williams, Destiny Holloway, Dylan Moss, and Justin Parkin; beloved niece, Edie Jean Pettis (Florida); and several other nieces and nephews as well as great nieces and nephews and many friends. We will always remember her going out of her way to bring us special treats and the life lessons she consistently taught with a smile. The family would like to say a special thanks to the staff and doctors at Wesley Manor, to Brother John Smith, to Calvary Baptist Church and to Robert Byrd and his team at Sunset Funeral Home for their professionalism, kindness, and support to our Nanny. Funeral services will be held at Calvary Baptist Church of Cottonwood on Tuesday May 31, 2016 at 2 pm. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service. Burial will follow in Cottonwood Cemetery immediately following the funeral service with Robert Byrd directing. If desired, in Lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be sent in Essie's memory to Alzheimer's Resource Center, P.O. Box 1170, Dothan, AL 36303 or to the Calvary Baptist Church, 267 Metcalf Street, Cottonwood, AL 36320. Robert Byrd of Sunset Memorial Park Funeral Home 334-983-6604 www.SunsetMemorialPark.com. Sign the guest book at www.dothaneagle.com