Silver Story: Anna Moredock
Anna Moredock
"Live Right, Love Right, Do Right"
Anyone who knows one of our founding supporters of Graceland Center, Ms. Anna Moredock, knows that she lives by her motto. Anna is an encouragement to everyone she is in contact with, on a broad range of topics from self-care to faith, to following through on commitments, to genuine love and compassion for everyone, regardless of their background. She has three adult children, 10 grandchildren, and 3 great-grandchildren! She enjoys making things beautiful, especially through gardening; traveling, and time with her family.
Anna grew up in Mississippi. As the 12th of 15 children, Anna learned responsibility, respect, accountability, unwavering faith, and determination from her parents and community to do her best. Anna remembers that her siblings were surrounded by a community that kept an eye on them and would correct their behavior; noting that the children then would be obedient to these “godmothers” who wanted them to grow up behaving appropriately. She said they respected their elders. Anna says these elders taught and lived by the principles of compassion, not judging others, and growing steadfast faith and trust in the Lord. Anna said she started working at a young age babysitting. Then at age 19 years, she moved to Peoria where some of her siblings had moved, to go to school, in Peoria. She took some courses at ICC. She got married, helped her then-husband start a trucking business, and kept the important bookkeeping up to date. Meanwhile, she had three children and started working at Caterpillar.
When it comes to accepting challenges and taking opportunities, Anna says she never misses the chance to learn something new, to conquer a problem whether it is a home repair job or a new skill at her job. She was certified in tooling, making sure small items met the quality control before moving on to be put into the larger machines. One of the most important things a person can do, Anna believes, is to be the biggest advocate for yourself and to make the best of the life you have been given by self-care. This means taking care of your body with what you eat, exercising, and keeping yourself mentally challenged and emotionally healthy is of utmost importance. Anna goes to the YMCA to exercise. She is mindful to make sure she eats healthy food. She provides emotional support and encouragement to her neighbors and in a ministry through her church, and she loves to meet with friends, especially at our Graceland Center programs. Anna believes that we are to give to others and she intentionally makes sure that she keeps in contact with others to check on them and to encourage them.
Her message to younger generations is to be obedient, and respectful, and listen to others who have wisdom. Anna believes the missing element in the lives of youth is a belief in Jesus Christ. She recommends reading the Bible, which is full of wisdom and teachings to love one another, support one another, and have compassion and empathy for everyone of all backgrounds, nationalities, etc. Regarding concerns with aging, Anna recommends enjoying life, having fun, communicating with others, and taking care of yourself! Anna notes she has a birthday at the end of August and she will be older than both of her parents were when they passed. In 2020 she was in a serious car accident. She credits angels for protecting her and with this life-threatening experience, she is even more grateful for every day, every gift of life each day brings.
Anna’s motto is “Live Right, Love Right, and Do Right” and “Live and Love like Jesus” and those of us who are blessed to know her, will agree that she lives her motto! Anna says that she is very grateful that Graceland Center is working to establish a community center for older adults here in Peoria. She notes that older adults are deserving of a place that provides education, resources, and fellowship that is not available anywhere else.
Anna recently returned from a family reunion in Myrtle Beach. She shared a beautiful picture of a fountain that is in the shape of a pineapple. After looking at the picture, I thought it was symbolic of the love that Anna shares with others, overflowing and refreshing. Thank you Anna for supporting Graceland Center and for making this world a brighter place with the light of your love for all.
