Frances Moore

Frances Howell Moore, 86, was delivered from the arms of her beloved husband to the arms of Jesus on Monday, September 9, 2024. Frances was born on the family farm in Wayne County on January 17, 1938, to the late Charlie Talmadge and Irene Mayo Howell. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a brother, Doyce “Chuck” Howell, and a sister, Earlene H. Worrell.

Funeral Services will be held at Black Creek UMC on Friday, September 13, 2024, at 11:00 AM. Visitation with the family will follow the service. Interment at Black Creek Cemetery will take place after the time of visitation.

Frances spent the early part of her childhood on the family farm, and continued growing up in Pikeville, where her father and two uncles opened Howell Brothers Grocery. Even though she became a “town girl”, she was a hard-working “farm girl” who worked in tobacco fields throughout her early years. The Howell family was well-known for their service to the community and their desire to meet the needs of family and friends. Frances lived her life in a similar manner. She was always willing to lend a helping hand, a listening ear, and take care of her family and friends. 

On August 12, 1954, Frances accepted the offer of a blind date with Howard Moore that would change her life and pave the way for a family rich in the tradition of loving the Lord and cherishing family. They were married on June 16, 1956. Never one to sit with idle hands, she decided to go to beauty school in 1958 and learn to cut hair. Her career as a beautician was brief, because she and Howard decided to move to Enfield to help grow his career as a barber. They were blessed with the birth of their first son, Craig, and decided to move back to Black Creek in 1960. Two more sons, Kevin and Alan, would come along to complete the Moore family, and all who knew her could see that her work as a homemaker and mother was what she cherished the most. 

Frances found many ways to involve herself in the community while keeping an immaculate home and cooking meals that her family still talks about. While Howard’s career as a barber and subsequent employment with the U.S. Postal Service in Wilson provided financially for the family, Frances was cooking 3 meals each day—including homemade biscuits, taking care of a huge garden, preserving and sharing the garden’s bounty, taking care of her 3 boys, and volunteering in several capacities. She served in the Black Creek Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary, Lee Woodard Elementary PTO, and volunteered at Black Creek Heritage Day. Her most important work outside her home was serving her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, by helping in many ministries from Black Creek United Methodist Church. She was a communion steward, VBS volunteer, member of UMW Circle, trustee, and could always be called on to help with meals for fundraisers, youth groups, or families in need.

Her boys grew up and married girls that would become daughters to her. And those unions brought grandchildren that would be the absolute joys of her life. She took her role as “Granny” very seriously. She rocked babies, helped with school projects, colored pictures, worked on puzzles, played soccer and Barbies, and taught everyone how to make the best lemonade. 

Prior to her health declining, Frances loved to shop. Clothes, cosmetics, and beautiful things for her home were some of her favorites. Her granddaughters knew she would share all her makeup, and she spent special time with her grandson, Caleb, shopping for pieces to complete a nativity set that he will treasure forever. She found special Christmas ornaments to give to her family each year. Her own Christmas tree was a sight to behold with thousands of lights and colorful ornaments, but that beauty pales in comparison to the beauty of Frances’ heart and soul. 

She is survived by her devoted husband of 68 years Howard R. Moore; sons, Craig Moore (Debbie) of Princeton, Kevin Moore (Sharron) of Black Creek, and Alan Moore (Jennifer) of Pikeville; grandchildren, Brandon Gurganus, Caleb Moore, Laura Moore, and Katie Moore; brother, Dr. Rudolph Howell (Cheryl) of Chester, VA.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the Black Creek United Methodist Church, PO Box 278, Black Creek, NC 27813.

Arrangements by Wilson Memorial Service, 2811 Fieldstream Dr. N, Wilson, 252-237-7171; www.wilsonmemorialservice.com