In Loving Memory of Zelma Eden Moffett…born on August 20, 1934 to Ada Jackson and Woodard Eden, in Shreveport, LA. She later relocated to Natchitoches after returning from Titusville, FL. She attended and graduated in 1951 from LNC (Lincoln Institue/Natchitoches Parish Training School/Central High School). From there she attended Grambling State University and graduated with her Bachelor or Arts in Education degree, in 1955. She was an active member of Alpha Kappa Alpha, Inc. She was a pioneer in integrating Northwestern State University as one of the first African-American students to receive her Master’s Degree. During and after her academic achievements, Mrs. Zelma Moffett served the Natchitoches Public School System beginning in 1965 as the first African-American Guidance Counselor in Natchitoches Parish at Natchitoches Central High School. She served as Principal of the Natchitoches Parish Learning Laboratory until her retirement. Leading into her retirement Mrs. Moffett pursued her Louisiana State Real Estate License becoming the first African-American Real Estate Agent in the Natchitoches Community.
She met and married Steve Moffett of Natchitoches, LA, where they completed their union with two sons, Henry B. Moffett and Dr. Glenn Moffett (PhD). After her retirement from the Natchitoches Public School System, she, along with her sons established Moffett Enterprises Inc. in 1989, providing over three decades in the Convenience Store Business. Moffett Enterprises Inc. has employed hundreds within the Natchitoches, Coushatta, Monroe and Shreveport Louisiana communities over this time period. Moffett Enterprises encompasses several small business entities: All-N-1 Food Stores (1, 2, and 3); Checkers (1,2, and 3) all of which are located in the Natchitoches, Campti, Coushatta, and Shreveport areas. She also, has executive positions with Moffett Oil Company Inc. (est. 1997), Prominent Investments (est. 2002), and Moffett Foods Inc. (est. 2006), and has been influential in her family’s ability to expand their own entrepreneurial horizons.
Mrs. Zelma Moffett provided many citizens not only with jobs in the communities her businesses are established in; She also, provided housing to many citizens who may not otherwise be able to secure a residence within the Natchitoches Parish. Her passion for education spanned through many generations. She was influential to many students, citizens, and community members and leaders. She served on many Boards within the City of Natchitoches and Parish wide.
She leaves to cherish her precious memories with her son, Henry B. Moffett (Juliette Moffett) of Natchitoches, LA; her son Dr. Glenn W. Moffett (Cheree D. Moffett) of Natchitoches, LA; her grandchildren, Henry Terrence Moffett (Thaisha Moffett) of Natchitoches, LA, Adris Moffett of Ft. Worth, TX, Ashley Nzeribe (Victor Nzeribe) of Dallas, TX, Glenn Austin Moffett of Natchitoches, LA; and Jackson A. Moffett of Natchitoches; her great-grandchildren, Henry T. Moffett Jr., Isabella Moffett, an Micheal Moffett of Natchitoches, LA; and a host of relatives and friends. One of her common statements was, “When you know better, you will do better.” We are all BETTER because of the influence Mrs. Zelma Eden Moffett shared with anyone she encountered throughout her lifetime.
