- Date Of Birth: March 28, 1948
- Date Of Death: June 24, 2014
- State: California
Ms. Moore peacefully passed away at her residence. She is the mother of Mr. Brett Moore and companion of Mr. John Garrett
Viewing is Wednesday, July 2, 2014 from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM at the Mortuary.
On March 28, 1948, Easter Sunday, Loretta Yvonne Rouse was born. Her parents, John William Rouse and Melba Harmon Rouse welcomed their third daughter, Loretta was a happy baby with big blue eyes like her father. She began walking at eight months. Her mother noticed that something was wrong with her gait., so she took her to the doctor. The doctor said it was her eyes not her feet. That began a saga of doctors, surgeries, hospital stays and heartbreak. Her parents sought the best medical resources and educational opportunities. Most importantly, they made certain she had a normal life. She was not treated as being handicapped. The family was diligent in making certain that she learned and participated in all the activities as a sighted child would.
Loretta learned how to swim, ride horseback, water ski, ride a bike, dance and play the accordion. She also learned to handle tools, cook, sew and many other skills. John Rouse wanted his daughters to be independent. Loretta definitely fulfilled his expectations. He preceded her in death in 1992.
Loretta attended San Diego schools, graduating from San Diego High. She majored in Psychology at Pepperdine University, where she earned her Bachelor of Arts Degree. Loretta sang in many productions through school and college. She sang with a quintet. Her clear, beautiful voice charmed many listeners.
When she was twelve, Loretta was selected by Governor Pat Brown to be “Miss Young Democrat”. In 1961, Loretta and her mother met John Johnson, the founder and owner of The Ebony Magazine at the Ebony Fashion Fair. He was intrigued with Loretta. After five days of being with family and friends of Loretta, he sent a reporter and a photographer to do a feature story about Loretta. An article was written titled “The Happy World of a Blind Girl”.
As a young teenager, Loretta was chosen with twenty-three other visually handicapped students to tour the United States. The highlight of the trip was meeting and talking with President John F. Kennedy.
During the early years, Loretta married Robert Brooks. No children were born to this union. Years later, she met and married Joe Moore and to this union a son was born, Brett Moore.
In many instances during her career, Loretta would be the first blind person that a company or organization hired. Not many knew she worked at an auto repair shop, handling phones, clients and appointments.
Loretta was chosen in the first group of disabled to work for the Social Security Administration Office in Los Angeles.
For over thirty years, Loretta worked at the San Dego Center for the Blind in many capacities, including instructing the blind in living skills. She was also the Volunteer Coordinator for the Center.
A warrior with a sweet voice, no one was more assertive in fighting for the rights of the disabled. Loretta served on various committees and boards, including the California State Independent Living Council at the behest of Governor Jerry Brown. She spoke at many meetings concerning the ADA, safety for the disabled, training and employment for the disabled.
Loretta lived life. She loved traveling, cruises and casinos. She was dubbed “Queen of the Casinos” by her family and friends. Loretta’s friends were many and loyal. Many of her best friends were lifelong.
During the early 1980s, Loretta met John Garrett and began a thirty year romance. They enjoyed each other’s company, great discussions, children and grandchildren. Their relationship officially began July 3, which happens to be John’s birthday.
On Tuesday, June 24, 2014, Loretta Yvonne Rouse Moore was called from earthly labor to eternal rest. She leaves to cherish her memory her loving son, Brett W. Moore (Mercedes); her best friend, companion and love for thirty years, John Garrett; her mother, Melba H. Rouse, all of San Diego, CA; sisters, Ester Rouse Wilson (Ronald) of Caliente, CA and Dr. J. Andre’ Rouse (Roger) of Nashville, TN; aunts, Mallalieu Vinson of Flint, MI and Kathleen Harmon of San Diego, CA; niece, Melba Suzette Wells of San Digo, CA; nephews, Deron C. Rouse Wells (Janet) of Hacienda Heights, CA and Troy A. Farmer of Nashville, TN; stepchildren, Dominique Moore, Nicole Moore, Mia Garrett, Toni Garrett and Nicole Garrett; granddaughters, Brette Aryanna Moore, Amilyan Hanai Spenser and Zoriyah Brooks; grandsons, Brayden Saul Bachiller, Addison Kai Moore, Maxwell Dominique Moore, Bentley Michael Moore, Zion Brooks, Miles Lyles and Mfalme Stacil; grandniece, Ulani Christine Wells; grandnephews, Nicholai Farmer Rouse, Deron Hasten Wells and Dylan S. Rouse-Wells and a host of other relatives and many friends who will mourn her passing, yet celebrate her life and her legacy.
