Linda Moore

She was the oldest of three children born to William “Bud” and Eunice Garrett Pate of Decatur, AL. They lived in a small home next to Decatur High School. Little sister June Pate Edward and little brother William “Bill” Ralph Pate (D)(Dorothy) soon joined the family. Linda played clarinet in the High School band. As High School was ending she met and fell in love with Don Camp Moore, a handsome country boy 8 years her elder. They married on June 11, 1955 when she was 17 years old.

By January of 1962 they would have four boys born to them: Dale Alan Moore (Tomiko), Daniel Pate Moore, Douglas Owen Moore (Lisa) and David Michael Moore (Jill). All these boys were born within 5 ½ years of each other.

Through the years they lived in different parts of Cullman county: The city of Cullman, the communities of Battle Ground, White City and Hanceville. They raised the boys while attending The First Baptist Church of Hanceville.

Though born a “city girl,” she became a very accomplished “country girl.” She knew how to make homemade butter, cook from “scratch,” and sew clothing for her family. Her breakfast and homemade biscuits were the best. It was her desserts that were the epitome of her cooking skills. The family had a hay bailing business and she provided truck driving and sandwich delivery services to the boys in the fields. She ventured into the land of small business herself, as she became a Mary Kay Cosmetic salesman. Later she owned a small gas station with her sister. After selling this, she worked at the Johnson’s Crossing Jet Pep for years. She was a constant presence in many people’s routine start of the workday. Having raised four boys, no unruly redneck man could match barbs with her. In other words, she was not afraid to work. Even in retirement she crocheted scarves, toboggans, and full blankets for friends and family.

God and love of Jesus was a key focal point of her world. She displayed this through her varied church involvements. Her sweet alto voice blessed many choirs. She and Don led many youth groups and adult Bible classes. Though she only physically birthed boys, emotionally and spiritually she birthed many “adopted” daughters including Crystal Hood, Peggy Griffith, Rita Guess and Mary Ellen Keim.

Family was second only to God in her life. She was a “daddy’s girl” to her father. She highly esteemed and honored Don. She became a much too young a widow when Don died at 58 years of age. The boys each married and had children. At her death she had 14 grandchildren: Melanie Dawn Blanks (James), the late Lynsi Morningstar McGill, Lenee Moore Golden (Aaron), Kelsey Marie Moore, Daniel Pate Moore, Jr., Brittany Elizabeth Moore-Kelly (Cody), Audrey Catlin Meadows (Wilson), Austin Owen Moore (Sarah), William Chandler Moore (Taylor), Garrett Michael Moore (Heather), Madison Chante’ Moore, Donald Camden Moore, Skylar Elise Moore, and Cayden McCay Moore. The grandsons will serve as her pallbearers.

Those grandchildren gave her 18 great-grand children. The “grands” knew Linda as “Inda.” One great-grand child occupies a special place in “Inda’s” journey. Matthew Kendrick Moore lived with her during her last 10 years of life. Their relationship kept her young.

She was a special woman with a keen awareness of people. She was an encourager and prayed faithfully for those in her life. She did whatever she could do to help any in their time of need. She had a wonderful wit and gift of sarcasm that allowed her to be frank in situations without invalidation of the individuals involved. She understood we all have potential to be holy with God’s power. She expected those around her to reach for the potential God had for them. As such she poured her form of tough true love into those who came into her world. Above all, she wanted people to know Jesus as Lord and Savior.

She was an accomplished woman and her physical presence will be greatly missed. Yet, her words, life and actions will continue to influence this world in the legacy she has left. We have the assurance we will see her again.

A celebration of life visitation for Linda will be held Friday, February 2, 2024 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at Cross Roads Baptist Church, 801 AL-160, Warrior, Alabama 35180, followed by a celebration of life funeral service at 11:00 AM.

Linda will be laid to rest in Hopewell Cemetery, Hanceville, AL 35077.