dorethea moore
1926-2020
Life Story
Birth & Family
Dorethea Moore was born on November 29, 1926, in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, to Smith “Jig” Moore (1901–1989) and Eva Haney Moore (1909–1985). She was raised within a close-knit family whose roots extended through Newton County, Mississippi, and whose life was shaped by faith, work, and responsibility from an early age.
Marriage & Family Life
Dorethea married Wylie Lee “Jack” Moore, Sr. (1926–2012) on July 26, 1942. The couple married at a young age and built a life together that spanned nearly seven decades.
They initially resided in Newton County, Mississippi, before migrating to Moultrie, Colquitt County, Georgia, where they raised their family. Their union was blessed with ten children—seven sons and three daughters—and she was widely regarded within her family as a devoted and nurturing mother whose presence anchored multiple generations.
According to the obituary, their children are:
Sons
- Wiley L. Moore
- James W. Moore (Brenda)
- Wilbert W. Moore (Betty)
- T. C. Moore (1950-2020)
- Johnny L. Moore (Avagene)
- Jerry J. Moore
- Peter R. Moore
Daughters
- Mary A. Holmes (Claude)
- Esther M. Mathis (Charlie)
- Thessie A. Baker (Reginald)
She was deeply devoted to her children and maintained close relationships with them throughout her life, serving as the matriarch of a large and extended family.
Faith, Church & Service
At an early age, Dorethea accepted Christ as her personal Savior and remained active in church life throughout her life. She and her husband were founding members of Saint Mary Freewill Baptist Church in Moultrie, Georgia, where she served faithfully until declining health limited her ability to do so.
She was consistently described as a “mother of the church,” Sunday school teacher, and devoted servant, known for her kindness, generosity, and steady encouragement of others. Her service reflected a life shaped by action rather than title, rooted in daily care for family, church, and community.
Work & Daily Life
In addition to her church work, Dorethea labored in practical and often unseen ways. She worked on farms in and around the Moultrie area and was frequently responsible for transporting workers to and from the fields, contributing directly to her household’s stability and survival. Her labor reflected the experiences of many Black women whose work bridged home, field, and church.
Later Years & Community Recognition
Dorethea Moore was widely respected for her faith, endurance, and service. On November 28, 2020, she was formally honored by the Colquitt County Board of Commissioners, which issued a proclamation recognizing her life, love, and legacy, acknowledging her impact not only on her family but also on the broader community.
Church resolutions and memorials further recognized her as a woman whose influence extended across generations through faith, example, and care for others.
Death & Burial
Dorethea Moore passed away on November 20, 2020, at her residence. Funeral services were held on November 28, 2020, at Rapha Christian Fellowship in Moultrie, Georgia.
She was laid to rest at St. James Pallbearers Cemetery #2.
Resting Place
St. James Pallbearers Cemetery #2
Photos/Albums
Sources
- 1930 Federal Census
- 1940 Federal Census
- 1950 Federal Census
- U.S., Find a Grave® Index, 1600s-Current
- U.S. Public Records Index, 1950-1993, Volume 1
- U.S. Public Records Index, 1950-1993, Volume 2
- U.S., Obituary Collection, 1930-Current
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