The Life of Kay Ellison Darden Moss

February 24, 1940 – November 30, 2022

Born in Kalamazoo, Michigan on February 24, 1940, Kay was immediately adopted by Albert Leo Darden and Sallie Maeda Ellison-Darden of Detroit, Michigan.  Kay's new young life included a great education, an African American upper middle-class lifestyle, and being influenced by her mom, who was the first Black female detective on the Detroit Police Force in 1934.

Kay graduated from Detroit's Northern Highschool in 1957 and went on to excel in college with her chosen field in the emerging world of computer science and technology.  As a professional, Kay soured up the corporate ladder as one of the first black women in California's Silicon Valley working with IBM during its monopoly in the business computer industry during the 1970s.

Kay moved to Dallas, Texas in the early 80s where she worked in the technology division of NBMA Bank of America.  She also developed independent businesses and investments alongside, two, now divorced and deceased husbands.  Kay continued her business accomplishments as a Texas pioneer black businesswoman by owning a laundromat, rental properties, and a new age health service she operated until her sudden and unexpected death.

A 30+ year resident of Garland, TX, Kay Moss was known among her friends as being smart, companionate, and tough.  Her love for her cats softened her no-nonsense attitude toward life.  Her passionate arguments to express her political point-of-view was no less enthusiastic when sharing her newest creation of a paleo diet recipe.

Kay's personal opinions and ratings for her favorite, and frequently visited, Dallas food buffets took her and her foodie friends around the world as they tasted the cuisines of different ethnics.  Her love of pedicures and the constant single setting of her television, in two rooms, on the Hallmark Channel (which only plays "happy stories"), quieted Kay's complex mind.

Kay's frugalness was legionary.  She was the proud owner of a 21-year-old car that she had just completed getting repaired so she could continue to drive it for the next 21 years, when the inevitable happened.

Some didn't understand Kay's intensity but appreciated her steadfast loyalty as a friend and mentor.  In lieu of flowers, Kay requested that donations be sent to the Kitty Safe, a cat rescue non-profit that adopted the last of her cats. The cat rescue organization contact info: Kittysave.org/donation button, or https://www.paypal.com/fundraiser/charity/1424861 .

Memorial Services for Kay Moss are Wednesday, December 21, 2022, at 1 p.m., Williams Funeral Services, 1600 S. Garland Ave., Garland TX  75040.  972-276-5000.

Kay Moss is survived by her cousins: Jean Whitney and Anita Najja of Las Vegas, Sharon Elizabeth Sexton of Detroit, Michigan, and friends all over the country. Kay will be buried next to her parents i n Detroit, Michigan.