Joan Moore

Joan was born January 14, 1934, in Oakdale TN, in her Grandmother’s house. She was the only child of S. (Sam) Houston Moore and Mable (Mabs) Kesterson Moore.

As a child Joan’s family moved several times due to her father’s job to places like Somerset KY, Knoxville TN, Atlanta GA and New Orleans LA. Along the way Joan met many special friends that she loved sharing stories about. She graduated from Brown High School in Atlanta and then moved back to Knoxville to attend University of Tennessee. She earned a 4 year degree in Physical Education and Recreation. While at UT she joined Delta Zeta Sorority. Those who know her, know that she bleeds orange.

After graduating she worked at the Knoxville YWCA as director of Physical Education. Joan mentored many young women with a kind heart and instilled a love of the outdoors. It’s in Knoxville that she fell in love with the Great Smoky Mountains.

January 1962 Joan entered the Army US WACS in Fort McClellan AL. She was honorably discharged in November 1963, as a 1st Lt.

Joan started working for the Mississippi Board of Health where she was trained in EEG protocol and neuro anatomy. She was in charge of four labs throughout Mississippi.

In 1965 Joan moved back to Atlanta to be with her parents when her mother suffered an aneurysm. At this time she was hired by Emory Hospital in their Neurodiagnostics Department and helped set up their first Sleep Center. She retired from Emory after 34 years of service.

In 1988 she met her life partner, Susan Burdick, who preceded her in death. They embraced the RV life, traveled, camped, fished, hiked and forged the most amazing friendships along the way.

Joan was a member of many organizations but was the most passionate about Delta Zeta, Georgia Women Flyfishers, Smoky Mountains Hiking Club, RVW Club, Big Meadow Family Campground and being a member of Chamblee First United Methodist Church.