Tillie Moore

Tillie Spross Moore, of College Station, passed away at St. Joseph Manor in Bryan with her loving family by her side on Wednesday, October 19, after a long and courageous struggle involving several critical health issues. She was only 15 days shy of her 93rd birthday.

Born to Ben George and Augusta Tina Spross in McLennan County, Texas, on November 3, 1918, she was the youngest and only daughter among the five children born to this union.

She grew up on a farm and ranch, and was involved in all of the work and chores that were typical of that day. She began her education, walking with neighboring friends to Prairie Chapel School, a three-room rural school that served her community. She graduated from Crawford High School and later attended Baylor University. Her first school has now been restored to reflect much of its original character, and has become a community center and somewhat of a tourist destination, given its location adjacent to former president George W. Bush’s Prairie Chapel Ranch near Crawford.

Born into a musically talented family, at an early age she joined with her four older brothers in a family band that performed at many church functions throughout the area. Her interest in music continued into her later life, where she served many years as church organist and pianist, often accompanying or singing with special vocal groups.

Along with many in her generation, Tillie entered the war-time work force in the 1940’s, serving with the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the McLennan County Agricultural Extension Service in Waco. It was during that time that she met a young returning U. S. Army Air Force veteran, an encounter that would change the remainder of her life. She married Doyle Moore on June 22, 1947, in Canaan Baptist Church, her home church since childhood.

Together, they embarked on a journey that would take them from Waco to Brenham, Columbus, Uvalde and finally to College Station in 1982. Along the way, two children joined the family – a daughter, Janice, and a son, Randy.

In addition to a career with the Columbus and Uvalde Independent School Districts, she was active in church, civic and community activities. Beyond her music ministry, she taught Sunday School for junior high boys for many years and was involved in numerous church activities and committees.

Along the way, she served in many other leadership roles in her community, including the PTA, Girl Scouts, garden and music clubs, and a number of other civic and community organizations.

Since moving to College Station, she served as president of the Extension Service Club, was a charter member, secretary and long-time Accredited Visitor for the Bryan/College Station Chapter 207 of Mended Hearts, and was also an active member of Bryan/College Station Chapter 607 of the National Active and Retired Federal Employees.

She was preceded in death by her parents and brothers Bill, Louis, Charlie and Benny Spross. She is survived by her husband of 64 years; daughter, Dr. Janice Moore of Fort Collins, Colorado, and son, Dr. Randy Moore, of Minneapolis, Minnesota; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins

Visitation will be Friday, October 21, from 4 to 6 p.m. at the Memorial Funeral Chapel in College Station. Following private interment with the family at the College Station Cemetery, a Memorial Service is scheduled for Saturday, October 22, 11 a.m. at Parkway Baptist Church, 1501 Southwest Parkway, College Station, with Pastor Chris Snidow officiating.

Throughout the years, there was never any doubt that Tillie Moore’s first love was her family, and her devotion to them was demonstrated in countless ways. Her loss leaves a void that will never be filled nor will it ever be forgotten.

Her ever-present, warm and friendly smile was the thing that almost everyone remembered about Tillie. Family and friends were blessed by her generous spirit, strong faith, and many other gifts, but even store clerks, and at the end, nurses and doctors and nursing home staff, commented on that smile. It was a smile that was echoed by a twinkle in her eyes and one that just naturally flowed from her heart. As infirmities took their toll and her body became frail, the smile was always there. She now rejoices with her Lord and Savior, and we are left with the deep lessons of love, gratitude and optimism that she taught us by her life … and with her smile.

Special thanks are extended to the local Comfort Keepers organization, and especially to Sherry Payne, who became a part of our family through the loving and compassionate care she helped provide for our very special wife and mother in her waning years.

In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to Hospice Brazos Valley, 502 W. 26th St., Bryan, Texas 77803; Parkway Baptist Church Building Fund, P. O. Box 10104, College Station, Texas 77842; or a charity of choice.