The Moss Family: Deep Roots and New Beginnings in Fredericksburg
Photo by Karen Presecan
Some families move to find their home. Others discover that home has been waiting for them all along. For Dr. Lloyd Fick Moss III and his wife, Catherine, their love story is deeply intertwined with the Fredericksburg area, where their families have planted roots spanning generations and where they're now raising the next chapter of their family’s legacies.
The couple's connection to the area runs deeper than most. Dr. Moss III, known to friends and family as "Jeppy," grew up in Stafford on Ingleside Drive, an area locals affectionately call "Pill Hill." "My grandfather built a home there in the 1950s when the area was first being developed, and my parents still live there today," Jeppy explains.
Catherine's roots are equally strong in Caroline County. "My wife grew up in a rural area of Caroline County named Corbin, Virginia. Her family (The Corbin Family) has a long history in that area dating back to the 17th century when their family first arrived in Virginia from England." Despite living in surrounding counties, both spent significant time within Fredericksburg, creating lasting friendships throughout the community.
Despite growing up in the same area, their paths didn't cross until later in life. "We both grew up around Fredericksburg and while we never met back then, we shared mutual friends and ran in the same social circles," Jeppy recalls. "It wasn't until I returned to Fredericksburg after Dental School and she moved back after college, taking a job at Dahlgren, that our paths finally crossed. It didn't take long for us to realize we were a great match and that, for us, timing really was everything."
Today, the Moss household buzzes with young family energy. Jeppy, 43, and Catherine, 39, are kept busy by their two children: Lloyd Fick Moss IV, who also goes by "Jeppy" and is 6 years old, and 4-year-old Ellee Lathrop Corbin Moss. Their commitment to continuing family names across generations exemplifies their appreciation for tradition and continuity.
Both parents have built impressive careers while maintaining community commitment. Jeppy's educational journey took him from Woodberry Forest School to dental school, where he joined his father, Dr. Lloyd F. Moss, Jr. in practice. Catherine attended Fredericksburg City Schools before earning her undergraduate degree from Virginia Commonwealth University and completing her MBA at the University of Mary Washington.
Catherine's career evolution reflects the couple's partnership approach to both business and life. "She spent about 10 years working at Dahlgren in Human Resources and Employee Engagement before joining me at the dental office, where she now serves as our Operations and HR Manager," Jeppy explains. This transition demonstrates their commitment to building something meaningful as a team.
Their commitment to community service runs as deep as their local roots. "As a family, we feel fortunate to give back to our community through various events and fundraisers that support causes working to improve the lives of those around us," Jeppy explains. His professional service commitment includes many years of involvement with the Moss Free Clinic, providing dental care for community members who need it most. He's also an active member of local study clubs enhancing dental education and care quality. Catherine is an active member of the Rappahannock Valley Garden Club, and they're members of Saint George's Episcopal Church in downtown Fredericksburg.
The family recently experienced the bittersweet cycle of pet ownership when their rescued dog, a beloved family member for 12 years, passed away. "We're hoping to welcome another dog into our family soon," he shares. Meanwhile, Catherine has adopted a cat to maintain lively energy in their home.
One of their favorite activities showcases their love for exercise and exploration. "We really enjoy biking the VRE Trail and Canal Path with our kids — it's one of our favorite ways to explore the area together. Along the way, we stop by different restaurants, ice cream shops, and parks," Catherine describes. This highlights what makes their area special: "It's one of the things we love most about living here: how easy it is to access so many great spots for family outings. There are too many favorites to name!"
The community's growth and evolution haven't gone unnoticed. "We're also excited to see the community continue to grow and so many local businesses thriving," Jeppy says.
Water-based activities dominate their family recreation time. "As a family, we spend a lot of time boating in the Northern Neck during the summer— it's one of our favorite places to unwind and enjoy the water together," Catherine shares. "We also love going to the beach and usually try to visit different coastal spots each time we travel," Jeppy adds. "It's always fun exploring new places and making memories as a family."
What makes the Moss family story most compelling is how their individual journeys led them back to where they started, but with new purpose and perspective. "Both of our families share a long history in the Fredericksburg area, and we feel grateful to be raising our family in a place so deeply connected to our roots," Catherine says.
The sentiment that perhaps best captures their relationship with the Fredericksburg area comes through most clearly in Jeppy's words: "My wife and I are both Fredericksburg area natives, and we feel incredibly fortunate to have so many friends and family nearby. Having grown up here, it's special to be raising our family surrounded by the people and places we've known for generations. We love the sense of community and the connections that come from having such deep roots in the area."
For the Moss family, Fredericksburg isn't just where they live – it's where their past, present, and future converge in the most meaningful way possible.
