Frances Brown Moore, 89, of Wilson left her earthly home at Autumn Care of Nashville, April 22, 2012. She was born Oct. 30, 1922 in Nashville to Thomas Edward Brown Sr. and Mary Crawley Brown. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, C. Johnson Moore Sr.; and a brother, Thomas Edward Brown Jr.
A graduate of Charles L. Coon High School in 1940, Frances attended Southern Seminary Junior College in Buena Vista, Va. until 1942, and graduated from East Carolina Teacher’s College in 1944 with a batchelor’s degree in Music Education and History. World War II prevented fulfillment of her dream of attending The Juilliard School to continue her music study.
Mrs. Moore persevered through numerous trials and overcame each with a strength and determination that could only be explained by her tremendous faith. She was a devoted wife and mother who balanced supporting her husband through his business endeavors to raising three active sons and taking care of her mother. She did so with such courage and grace that she served as an inspiration to all who knew her.
Animals were a passion of Mrs. Moore. She was an accomplished equestrian in her youth, and later in life opened a dog grooming business. She was a very active member of The Wilson Kennel Club and The Tarheel Circuit Dog Show. Her involvement in dog rescue eventually led to her taking in stray animals and nurturing them throughout her life. Her last rescue was a three-legged cat named Bridget that she adored. She also enjoyed birds, rabbits and numerous other “critters” her three sons could find.
Mrs. Moore depended on the Lord throughout her life and served in local churches. When her health allowed, she served as hospitality director, Sunday school teacher, church pianist, Vacation Bible school teacher and The Women’s Ministry.
Community service was a way of life for Mrs. Moore. She volunteered for the Wilson Hospice, Wilson Crisis Center, WilMed Hospital, Meals on Wheels, The Wilson Soup Kitchen and co-founded The Wilson Drum and Bugle Corps. She also continued to serve others while living in New Bern by cooking and sharing special treats with friends and shut-ins as well as volunteering at The Craven County Memorial Hospital Library.
When she was not acting as a taxi service for her sons, she enjoyed reading, cooking and playing bridge.
Frances B. Moore is survived by three sons, C. Johnson “Sport” Moore Jr. and wife, Agnes, of Rocky Mount, Robert “Bob” T. Moore, DVM and wife, Hesta, of New Bern and William “Bill” S. Moore and wife, Cathy, of Wilson; four grandchildren, Lillian Dixon Moore, Mary Beth Moore, Amanda Frances Moore, and William Rice Moore.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Therapy Dogs International c/o Ms. Ursula Kempe, 88 Bartley Road, Flanders, N.J. 07836. The joy Mrs. Moore received during her weekly visits from Vickie and Cole (German Shepard therapy dog) can’t be expressed in words.
The family would like to express their thanks to the staff at Autumn Care of Nashville and WilMed Homecare and Hospice as well as Dr. George Beckwith and Dr. Shandal Emanuel.
A graveside service, conducted by Col. Robert Hasty, Dr. Robin Fisher and the Rev. Steve Roberson will be held in Maplewood Cemetery Tuesday, 11 a.m. The family will receive friends that evening from 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. at Sunset Avenue Baptist Church in Rocky Mount.
Arrangements are by Joyner’s Funeral Home, 4100 Raleigh Road Pkwy. Condolences may be directed to www.joyners.net.