Lela was born in Boykin, Alabama to the late Minnefield Mooney, Sr. and Lottie Mooney.

Lela attended Boykin High School, soon after high school she relocated to Brooklyn, New York and her final move was to Birmingham, Alabama. She worked at Lower Merion Vocational Training Center. Lela's caring and nurturing spirit was most evident in her love for Michael and Curtis. Caring, Nurturing, and Challenging them to work hard, and to always do their best. She was a living beacon of the power of prayer and a committed life of faith.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Minnefield and Lottie Mooney; sisters, Mirriah Irby, Ruth Lewis, and Bessie Lowery; and brothers, Elkay, CL, and Grady Mooney.

On March 28, 2025, she surely received her "Well done my good and faithful servant.", from the Lord and departed this earthly journey for everlasting life and eternal peace in Heaven.

Her exemplary life and memories will be treasured by her family: Michael Mooney (Kimberly) of Bear, Delaware and Curtis Mooney (Yolanda) of
Birmingham, Alabama; grandchildren, Michael Mooney, Jr., Mykel Mooney (Imani), Mikia Mooney of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Curtis Mooney, Jr., and Ralph Mooney of Birmingham, Alabama; four great grandchildren, Marlo Mooney, Milani Mooney, Markari Mooney, and Micah Mooney of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; brother, Minnefield Mooney, Jr.; sister, Beatrice Brockington; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, great nieces, great nephews, and friends. She also loved her family on 62nd and Landsdowne Avenune.