Otis T. Moorehead

“For we know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God, not made with hands, eternal in the heavens.” — 2 Corinthians 5:1 (KJV)

Otis Terry Moorehead was born on October 31, 1946, in Leflore County, Mississippi, to the late Edgar Swan and Perney Moorehead-Baker. He accepted Christ at an early age and joined Mount Moriah Baptist Church. Otis received his education at Amanda Elzy Attendance Center in Greenwood, Mississippi.

Otis was blessed to unite in holy matrimony with his soulmate, Betty Gail Turner Moorehead, with whom he shared 54 years of marriage. While Bettye continued her studies at Mississippi Valley State University, Otis began his professional career at the Baldwin Piano Company in Greenwood, Mississippi, where he served as President of their local Union.

Otis later relocated to what he lovingly called his forever home in Carthage, Mississippi, where he joined Galilee Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of Reverend A. L. Jackson. A devoted servant of God, Otis faithfully served Galilee M.B. Church as a Trustee and as Sexton of the Galilee M.B. Church Cemetery until his health began to decline.

Otis enjoyed a distinguished career as a professional Iron Worker, often referred to as a “Cowboy of the Sky.” His work took him across the United States, where he helped build and restore major historical and industrial landmarks, including the Grand Gulf Nuclear Plant, the Sears Tower, and the original Dallas Cowboys Stadium.

A man deeply devoted to his community, Otis founded the Harmony Tigers, a local community baseball team, and served as its coach for many years. In retirement, he devoted his time to raising his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, supporting his church, and volunteering his labor and talents throughout the community, schools, and neighborhoods.

Otis Terry Moorehead was preceded in death by his parents, Edgar Swan and Perney Moorehead-Baker; his son, Carneil M. Turner; and his eldest brother, Charles Moorehead.

He leaves to cherish his loving memory his devoted wife, Bettye Moorehead; five children: Karen Suzette Moorehead (Horn Lake, MS), Rossiland Summerville and Andrel Moorehead (Eastvale, CA), Nekia Ona Moorehead (Grand Prairie, TX), and Precious (Billy) Cross (Carthage, MS); and a special godson, Rodney Nettles (Carthage, MS). He is also survived by eleven siblings: Joyce Moorehead (Forest Park, IL), Carne Jones (Chicago, IL), Norris (Lisa) Moorehead (Bourbon, IL), Sinnell (Katie) Baker (Horn Lake, MS), Tisha (George) Baker-Gaylee (Chicago, IL), Roberta Baker-Bolton (South Harlem, IL), Mary (William) Mitchell (Sheldon, SC), Lillie Baker (Aurora, IL), William (Lillian) Baker (Hillside, IL), Tyrone Baker (South Harlem, IL), and Jonas Baker (Aurora, IL).

Otis also leaves behind eleven grandchildren, nineteen great-grandchildren, and a host of loving nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends.

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