Brenda Joyce Moore

Brenda Joyce Moore of Dyersburg passed away Friday, October 26, 2018, at the age of 71.  Brenda was born on a cold, snowy day in Crockett County in her parents’ home at Chestnut Bluff.  Brenda was born first, then – in what was a surprise – her brother Terry followed.  Her parents were Walter Royce and Mary Frances Ford, fondly remembered as longtime owners of Ford’s Grocery in Lauderdale County’s Curve community. 

Brenda graduated from Ripley High School in 1964, then entered the University of Tennessee at Martin that same year, graduating with a B.A. in Home Economics in 1968.  She married Benny Franklin Moore on December 28.  Both she and Benny were employed by Dyersburg City Schools.  Brenda served as a Home Economics and Child Development teacher much of her career, remembered by many students as their favorite.  Her husband Benny passed away in 1991.  Brenda retired from the school system at the age of 52, after 30 years of service.   Benny and Brenda had one daughter, Sue Ann, but were parental figures to hundreds more children during the years they served in the classroom. 

Brenda loved her family and doted on her daughter and grandchildren.  They cherished her and agree that no one else’s cooking will ever measure up to the standard she set.  Brenda was generous and thoughtful, constantly baking cookies, bread and other goodies for others.  When she wasn’t cooking, she was sending thoughtful notes and cards filled with words of love and encouragement to her family and friends.  Her beautiful yard was filled with lovingly-tended flowers and animals, as was her artwork. 

She was an active member of First Baptist Church and especially loved (and was loved by) the ladies in her Joy Sunday school class.  She was a Master Gardener and a member of a local garden club.  She was also a devoted volunteer at Dyersburg’s Cancer Care Center and up until the time her illness no longer allowed her to work, she spent Wednesday’s brightening the days of those suffering with cancer with warm blankets, snacks, thoughtful words, companionship – whatever they needed. 

Brenda was diagnosed with a rare form of lymphoma (mantle cell) in the fall of 2017 and fought this aggressive disease with great courage, hope and a positive attitude, always grounded by her love for her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.  She is survived by one daughter, Sue Ann Cloar and her husband John as well as a sister-in-law with whom she was especially close, Debbie Tims.   She was blessed with and is survived by five grandchildren, Katherine, Rebecca, Ben, Aria and Edward Cloar, as well as numerous cherished nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.  She was preceded in death by two brothers, Johnny and Terry Ford, and a sister, Linda Carmack and a granddaughter, Lauren Cloar.  She also leaves behind her beloved little dog Sugar and cats Jack, Shoes and Frazzle, but we’re sure that she was greeted in heaven by Haley, Callie and Curly, her “fur-babies” who preceded her in death. 

In 2013, Brenda began a special relationship with Bill Baker, a man who would be her constant companion, friend, caregiver and support – both in good times and in bad – up until the day of her death.  Brenda loved and adored him and knew that in him, she had someone truly special.  Bill’s children and the rest of his family were adored by Brenda as well.  What a treasure to find a love so true late in life!

Some of Brenda’s last written words: “Hug your kids, hug your friends and family, even hug your fur babies, heck!  Hug everyone.  Forgive and forget.  Life is short.” 

Services will be at 11:00 AM at First Baptist Church in Dyersburg, TN, on Saturday, November 3, 2018, with Pastor Mike Hickman officiating.  Visitation will be from 9:30AM until 11:00AM at First Baptist in Dyersburg.  Private interment of cremains will follow at a later date.  The family requests memorials be made in the form of donations to the Dyer County Community Cancer Fund, P.O. Box 1055, Dyersburg, TN 38025.

Johnson-Williams Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Brenda Moore.  Online condolences can be made at johnsonwilliamsfuneralhome.com.

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