Mary Emma (Smith) Moore

Mary Moore, of Athens, Georgia, entered eternal rest on March 8, 2023. Born on December 28, 1926, she spent her formative years on her father's farm before moving with the family to Atlanta, Georgia.  She graduated from Girls' High in 1945 before attending Georgia State College. When she was a high school senior, she met her future husband and great love of her life, Dr. Robert Bird Moore of Madison and Athens. They were married in 1946 and settled in Athens where Doctor Moore practiced dentistry for 35 years before predeceasing her in 1985. She was also predeceased by her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Garrett Smith; an identical twin sister who died at birth; two sisters, Frances McGarity and Laura Jeanette Snelson; a brother, Garrett Jennings Smith; a niece, Elizabeth Snelson Olgesby; and her son-in-law, Lt Col Ronald Daniel, USAF (Retired).

She is survived by a son, Robert Bird Moore, Jr. (Sissy) of Athens, Georgia, and by a daughter, Carolyn Moore Daniel of Watkinsville, Georgia. She leaves three granddaughters: Mary Katherine Brodrick (Kevin) of Athens, Virginia Anne Turff (Andrew) of Watkinsville, and Carley Elizabeth Reeves of Athens. Mrs. Moore also leaves four grandsons: Ronald Daniel, Jr. of Summerville, South Carolina; Robert Brittain Daniel, Esq. (Robin) of Jefferson, Georgia; John Franklin Daniel (Sarah) of Summerville, South Carolina; and Benjamin Reed Daniel (Meggie) of Florence, South Carolina. She also is survived by 16 great grandchildren: Garrett Daniel (Denver, Colorado) and Morgan Daniel (Summerville, South Carolina); Amanda Carolyn Daniel and Robert Daniel, Jr. (Jefferson, Georgia); Josh Daniel and Sam Daniel (Summerville, South Carolina); Emma Grace Daniel and Luke Daniel (Florence, South Carolina); Samantha McCall Brodrick, Robert McKnight Brodrick, Baylen Moore Brodrick, and Scott McRae Brodrick (Athens, Georgia); Hudson McClure Turff, Eva Reese Turff, Charlotte Bird Turff, and Andrew Maddox Turff (Watkinsville, Georgia). She is additionally survived by nephews and nieces, Stuart McGarity, Greg McGarity, Peggy Anne McGarity Bryant, LtCol Robert Snelson, USMC (Retired), and Sherry Smith Yost.

Mrs. Moore was an active and faithful member of Athens First United Methodist Church, leaving it only briefly to help establish the St. James United Methodist Church. She was a member of the Altar Guild, the United Methodist Women, and the Pacesetters Sunday School Class and was active in the Senior Fun group.

Mrs. Moore's love of her community was evident by her involvement in the Daughters of the American Revolution, Athens Historical Society, Friends of Oconee Hill Cemetery, The Rose and Dahlia and the Glenwood Garden Clubs, The Clarke County Dental Auxiliary as well as The Road Runners travel group. She packed shoe boxes for America's military, delivered meals on wheels, worked as a volunteer at the polls for elections, and dressed dolls for The Salvation Army. One volunteer activity she especially enjoyed was serving as a docent for the Tour of Homes in Athens.

A true Southern woman, Mrs. Moore's family and friends were of upmost importance to her, and she fully embraced the roles of grandmother and great-grandmother, traveling between Georgia and South Carolina to visit and cheer on her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Her strong Christian faith guided her throughout her life, and she completed several years of the Disciple Bible Study program. She was a charter member of a lunch group called The M and M's which was made up of friends who gathered each month to celebrate life and their friendship, and, in her later years, one of her passions was studying genealogy to learn about her heritage.

For several years Mrs. Moore and her husband operated an antique business and loved their opportunities to travel in search of pieces that clients had requested. The only downside to the business turned out to be that they often became fascinated by many of the items for which they shopped making it hard to part with the pieces.

Mrs. Moore kept busy in her senior years and was a voracious and dedicated learner. She enjoyed taking advantage of adult learning opportunities offered by The University of Georgia. In fact, her family credits her interest in many varied subjects with her longevity.

The family wishes to offer special thanks to the staff at Arbor Terrace of Athens for their loving care for Mrs. Moore during her final years. They are also grateful to Mrs. Andrea Anderson of Agape Hospice for the special attention and care she provided.

Mrs. Moore was interred beside her beloved husband in Oconee Hill Cemetery on March 20, 2023, prior to a private service in celebration of her life at Athens First United Methodist Church with arrangements by Lord and Stephens Funeral Homes. Members of the Elijah Clarke Chapter, National Society Daughters of the American Revolution and the United Methodist Women’s Circle Six served as honorary pallbearers.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Athens First United Methodist Church Playground Fund, 327 N Lumpkin Street, Athens, Georgia 30601.

Lord and Stephens Funeral Home, WEST, Watkinsville, GA, is in charge of arrangements. www.lordandstephens.com