It is with heavy hearts that we share the news of the passing of Mercedes Lelia Cohen-Moore, a beloved resident of Midlothian, VA, and a radiant presence in the wider Richmond, VA community. Mercedes peacefully departed this life on Thursday, October 10th, at the age of 44, surrounded by her loving family. Born on June 25, 1980, in Brooklyn, NY, to Philip Cohen and Anita Matos, Mercedes built a life defined by love, unwavering strength, and a deep commitment to those around her in the Richmond, VA area and beyond.
Mercedes found her greatest joy in her family. She shared a beautiful and fulfilling life with her husband and best friend, Khalfani Moore. Together, they nurtured and raised three wonderful sons, Emmanuel, Isaiah, and Brandon Moore. Her role as a mother was central to her being, filled with devotion and boundless love. Mercedes and her youngest son, Emmanuel, were active members of Jack and Jill of America, Inc., an organization that fostered their bond while emphasizing leadership, community service, and cultural enrichment within the Richmond, VA chapter.
Beyond her family, Mercedes had a passion for creating a warm and welcoming home. Her kitchen was the heart of this endeavor, where she lovingly prepared homemade meals and baked goods for family and friends. These culinary creations, often born from her own inspired recipes, were an expression of her generous spirit. Mercedes also appreciated the simple pleasure of a good cup of coffee, often using it as a moment for quiet reflection amidst her busy life in Richmond, VA.
Professionally, Mercedes was a highly accomplished procurement and contract management expert. Her most recent role was as a Senior Procurement & Contracts Manager (Construction) at The Lego Group. Prior to this, she dedicated over five years to Dominion Energy, a major energy provider in Richmond, VA, where she held Senior Sourcing positions within both the Power Delivery and Gas Infrastructure Groups. Her career also included significant contributions to WestRock Company, where she managed their Procurement Co-op Program, and MeadWestvaco, where she began her professional journey as a Supplier Technology Analyst and Corporate Paralegal. Her expertise and dedication were recognized and respected throughout her professional network in Richmond, VA and beyond.
Education was a lifelong pursuit for Mercedes. She earned a Master of Business Administration from Virginia Commonwealth University (Richmond, VA), a Bachelor of Science in Project Management from Bellevue University, and held the prestigious Project Management Professional (PMP) certification. These achievements underscored her commitment to excellence and leadership in her field within the Richmond, VA business community.
Mercedes is survived by her beloved husband, Khalfani, and her cherished children, Emmanuel, Brandon, and Isaiah. She also leaves behind her parents, Anita & Anthony Matos; her sister, Renata Matos; aunts, Amanda Mills, Francesca (Carmen) Panetta; uncles, Ronald (Janice) Mills, Anthony (Bridgette) Mills; mother-in-love, Allean (Kenneth) Hinton; brother-in-love, Ajani Moore; sister-in-love, Ayanna Moore; and a large extended family of cousins, nieces, nephews, god-children, and friends, all of whom felt her unwavering support and love. Mercedes was predeceased by her father, Philip “Flip” Cohen; grandparents, Thomas & Lelia Mills; uncles, Charles Mills, Lawrence (Lillian) Mills; aunt, Robin Mills (John Bell); father-in-love, Anthony Moore; and sister-in-love, Kianga Percell, all of whom held a special place in her heart.
Mercedes’ life was a testament to love, dedication, and achievement. While her professional accomplishments were significant, it was her warmth, caring nature, and the genuine connections she made with everyone she met in Richmond, VA and beyond that truly defined her. Her love, laughter, and the singular way she made people feel will be deeply missed and forever remembered. Her spirit will continue to live on in the hearts of her family and all who were privileged to know her in the Richmond, VA community and beyond.
Friends, family, and all those whose lives were touched by Mercedes are invited to celebrate her life and legacy.
Service Details:
- Date: Friday, October 25th, 2024
- Time: 11:30 AM
- Location: Speaking Spirit Ministries, 4205 Ravenswood Rd., Richmond, VA 23222
For those unable to attend in person, the service will be live-streamed at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XNsmecCLnTE
In Lieu of Flowers:
Flowers may be sent to Affinity Funeral Home, 2720 Enterprise Pkwy, Richmond, VA 23294 by 4:00 PM on Thursday, October 24th.
Donations in Mercedes Lelia Cohen-Moore’s memory can be made to the Jack and Jill of America, Inc. Richmond, VA chapter via this link: https://secure.givelively.org/donate/jack-and-jill-of-america-foundation-inc/jack-and-jill-of-america-richmond-chapter-mother-mercedes-moore-memorial
The family appreciates your kind thoughts and prayers during this difficult time in Richmond, VA and elsewhere.
