ATLANTA — Jovita Moore was a big believer in the power of prayer and genuinely appreciated all of her viewers’ thoughts and prayers over the last few months.
She leaned heavily on her faith and spiritual leaders in the community through her battle with glioblastoma, an aggressive form of brain cancer.
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Channel 2′s Elizabeth Rawlins spoke to two pastors who also become personal friends with Jovita and part of her spiritual journey.
Pastor Jamal Bryant said he wishes he had known Moore longer. He met her back in 2019 when he became the pastor at New Birth Missionary Baptist Church.
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A sit down interview instantly became a strong friendship between the two.
“It went from, ‘What’s happening on Netflix,’ to ‘Stay focused,’” Bryant said. “She was always receptive to prayer. I’m comforted knowing she had a relationship with God. She had accomplished so much.”
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Natosha Reid Rice is the minister of public life at All Saints Episcopal Church. She’s known Moore for more than 8 years and said she prayed with her just a few weeks ago.
“We definitely prayed for healing and for peace,” Rice said. “And joy even in the midst.”
Moore’s close friends said that to know her professionally was to know her personally -- which means that people around the country are trying to process the sudden loss of a friend, journalist, colleague, mentor and anchor.
“We connected on a level that is not just me,” Rice said. “She connected with so many in the city because she was very authentic and genuine.”
However people may have known Moore, her friends said to not be surprised if you find yourself in the same grieving process.
“The worst thing we can do when it comes to grieving is tell people how to grieve,” Bryant said. “You have to give yourself permission to grieve.”
Both pastors plan to honor Jovita’s life during one of their weekend services.
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