Elizabeth "Liz" Moya

Elizabeth “Liz” Moya passed away Tuesday, February 21, at the age of 42, after courageously battling Multiple Sclerosis, Breast Cancer, and Pulmonary Fibrosis. A testament to this woman’s strength and fortitude, it took not one, but three different diseases acting in concert, to steal her from her family and our community. Born February 20, 1981, in Miami, Florida, to Byron and Barbara Petersen, Liz was a graduate of Ransom Everglades High School. She earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Social Science and Master’s Degree in Public Administration, both from Florida State University. After meeting Chris in Tallahassee, they married in 2006 and she simultaneously became Aidyn’s stepmother. Their family grew with the birth of twins - Samantha and Jake - in 2011. From walking on her 8-foot-tall stilts or riding on a unicycle as a kid in circus camp, paddling the Everglades for 7 days without seeing land, rock climbing in North Carolina and Georgia, to her elk hunting honeymoon, her sense of adventure and fearlessness were hallmarks of her vibrant personality. Graced with an incredible smile, framed with picturesque dimples, Chris consistently described Liz as “Audrey Hepburn, but better looking.” Her elegance was always accentuated by her “popped-collar” and monogrammed appearance. Liz was a loving daughter, devoted wife, a phenomenal mother whose professional career was focused on public service for over 20 years. After graduating from FSU in just 2 years, she served in the House Rules Committee, Senate Majority Office, Senate President’s Office. She later served as Director of Legislative Affairs for the Florida Office of Early Learning, and the Florida Department of Education. Liz went on to serve as Assistant Vice Chancellor of Articulation & Career Education Policy and Director of Legislative Affairs & Social Projects at the department of education. Known for her signature greeting to anyone with whom she interacted, her use of the phrase “Hi Friend!” typically was followed with a quick offer of colorful candy. Liz is truly loved and will be deeply missed by her husband (Chris), children (Samantha, Jake and Aidyn) and mother (Barbara). The family will receive friends from 6:00PM until 9:00PM on Wednesday, March 1, 2023, at Bevis Funeral Home, 200 John Knox Road. The funeral service will be at 10:00AM on Thursday, March 2, 2023, at St. Peter’s Anglican Cathedral, 4784 Thomasville Road, with the interment at Roselawn Cemetery. A reception will follow at the Governors Club, 202 S. Adams Street. A scholarship is being set up in Liz’s name at Florida State University. For those interested in contributing, please email lizmoyamemory@gmail.com. Our world is a much dimmer place, as one of our brightest and most beautiful stars has fallen from the sky. Kelly Barber of Bevis Funeral Home (850-385-2193 or www.bevisfh.com) is assisting the Moya family with their arrangements.

Tributes

Elizabeth "Liz" Moya

February 20, 1981 - February 21, 2023