Margaret H. Moore

Margaret Henry Moore, who lived a remarkable life of 100 years and seven months, passed away peacefully in her sleep on January 5, 2025, at home, surrounded by her loving family. Margaret was preceded in death by her husband, James Donald Moore, and her sisters, Rebecca Edwards Brown, Elizabeth Mary “Betty” Henry, and Mary Honoure Wolverton. 

She is survived by two children(and spouses): Rebecca Newby (W. Kenneth Newby) and Elizabeth Mary McKee (W. Jack McKee) four grandchildren; Elizabeth Mary Margaret Grimes, Charles Andrew Stringer, Trevor McKee and Sterling McKee. Three great-grandchildren: Landon Charles Grimes, Selah Elizabeth Stringer and Jonathan Shepherd Stringer. Nephews David and Joe Wolverton and their wives Pat and Glynda. 

 Community Involvement Margaret’s life was marked by her dedication to service and community. While living in Darien, Connecticut, she joined PEO, an organization devoted to supporting women’s education and helped to organize two new PEO chapters. She also taught cooking classes at Noroton Presbyterian Church and for the Junior League. Margaret’s creativity and leadership shone in her work with the Presbyterian Women’s Association and the Darien Community Association. After relocating to Savannah, Georgia, in 1984, Margaret and Don built a home on Skidaway Island and became active members of Skidaway Presbyterian Church. Margaret chaired the Community Volunteer Committee, organized efforts for the Salvation Army Christmas store, and helped to organize the Women’s Auxiliary which resulted in her being invited to join the Salvation Army Advisory Board. Margaret considered the Salvation Army to be one of America’s most effective charitable organizations, and she devoted countless hours to its mission.

Early Life and Education Margaret was born on May 20, 1924, in Yazoo City, Mississippi, the youngest of four daughters of William Andrew Jr. and Elizabeth Mary Jones Henry. She enjoyed a happy childhood in Yazoo City, a small southern town that nurtured her sense of community and belonging. Margaret graduated from Yazoo City High School and continued her education at the University of Texas in Austin, where she earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Theatre Directing in 1945. She was a proud member of the Pi Beta Phi sorority. Marriage and Family In 1953, Margaret married James Donald Moore of Dallas, Texas. Both lifelong Presbyterians, they shared a deep faith and were active members of their church throughout their 60 years of marriage. Together, they built a life centered on love, faith, and family. Margaret and Don traveled to the far corners of the world, and she captured her life experiences in her memoirs, “My Memoirs” sharing stories of her southern upbringing, married life, and global adventures.

Margaret and Don were blessed with two daughters, Rebecca Newby (W. Kenneth Newby) and Elizabeth Mary McKee (W. Jack McKee), four grandchildren— and three great-grandchildren. 

 Faith and Spiritual Contributions Faith was the cornerstone of Margaret’s life. Whether at Noroton Presbyterian Church in Connecticut, Skidaway Presbyterian Church in Georgia, or Clemmons Presbyterian Church in North Carolina, she contributed her time and energy to supporting church ministries. Margaret read the Bible from Genesis to Revelation five times and found great joy in teaching Sunday school and inspiring others with her faith. Margaret loved to cook and that became part of her spiritual service. She baked bread for Clemmons Presbyterian Church’s outreach efforts, lovingly wrapping loaves to welcome every newcomer. Hobbies and Interests Margaret’s passions extended to the arts, cooking, games, and sailing. She co-authored *The Three Cooks Book* with her sisters, Mary Honoure Wolverton and Betty Henry, a cherished collection of recipes inspired by their mother’s southern cooking in Yazoo City. 

Margaret and Don spent 15 happy years exploring the Atlantic shores aboard GEM, their sailboat, until they moved to Savannah where they focused more on their community service. Their love, shared adventures and community service remain an enduring inspiration to those who knew them. 

While living in Advance, North Carolina, Margaret discovered a love for Mah Jongg. She taught the game to more than 60 people, sharing her enthusiasm and fostering friendships.

 Legacy Margaret’s life was defined by kindness, creativity, and meaningful connections. She will be remembered for her grace, humor, and the light she brought to those around her. Her reflections in *My Memoirs* capture her gratitude for her upbringing: “Mine was a wonderful and happy childhood that I attribute to two very good parents and the fact that I was nurtured in a small town in the deep south where people lived in a safe, secure environment. A small town is the only place in the world where most people love you because you are a part of their town; they know when you are sick and miss you when you die.”

Margaret’s family and friends will always remember her with love and affection. 

Memorial Contributions To honor Margaret’s memory, donations may be made to Clemmons Presbyterian Church (3930 Clemmons Rd, Clemmons, NC 27012) and/or The Salvation Army (Box 1205 Trade St, Winston-Salem, NC 27102). 

Please take a moment to share any remembrance you would like to share about Margaret. 

Scripture:

Psalm 23

Psalm 116

Psalm 131

Acts 9:36-43

Revelation 12:3-4