Betty Lee Moore

There was a spark and radiance about Betty Moore throughout her entire life. She had an infectious smile and laugh; a genuine love and compassion for her family and friends; a voice that wouldn't stop singing; an enduring sense of what is right and true; a willingness to advocate and work on behalf of rights for people who were handicapped; an ability to see and create beauty; and an unending sense of hope and optimism. A woman with strong faith, Betty loved life and inspired others to do the same and to find their own purpose and passion.

Betty grew up in Shelby, NC, the daughter of Roy and Lucile Tiddy. After graduating from Shelby High School and attending nursing school there, she married Durham Moore, the love of her life. Their marriage and partnership lasted for 62 years. Their shared motto was, "Keep your chin up and keep smiling." This philosophy enabled them to survive life's challenges and to turn those challenges into opportunities.

First and foremost, Betty was devoted to Durham. She was a loving mother to Terry, C. Durham, and Jimmy and a beloved grandmother to Meredith and Rebecca. Because there were no local services at the time for Jimmy and other handicapped children, she and Durham co-founded The Tammy Lynn Center in Wake Co., which has served thousands of handicapped children and their families. She and Mr. Moore were recognized by the Tammy Lynn Center with a Lifetime Achievement Award for their service and also were inducted into the Raleigh Hall of Fame for their contributions to this community.

Betty loved music and was a soloist in the Hayes Barton Baptist Church Choir. For many years Betty continued to sing in the dining hall in skilled care at Glenaire. Betty took up painting late in life and became an accomplished artist. She loved flowers and gardening, making christening gowns and wedding dresses, and cooking countless pound cakes and loaves of "Nana bread."

Betty leaves behind her daughter and son-in-law, Terry and Sankey Moore-Painter, son and daughter-in-law, C. Durham Moore III and Jo Anne Buckner, granddaughters, Meredith and Rebecca Moore-Painter, sister, Barbara Elliott, and brother, Jim Teddy, and many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her husband, Durham Moore, son Jimmy, and grandson, Patrick Moore.

Betty's family thanks the staff on central skilled care at Glenaire for caring for her so compassionately and beautifully for seven years. Thank you for being her family and for giving her so much love.

Betty has left a legacy of love to all who knew her. That legacy will continue through the work of The Tammy Lynn Center. The family requests that memorials in lieu of flowers be given to The Tammy Lynn Memorial Foundation, 739 Chappell Dr., Raleigh, NC 27606 and specified for The Betty and Durham Moore Educational Fund.

There will be a private family graveside service on Monday, April 7. A memorial service will be held Saturday, May 10th at 1:00 pm Hayes Barton Baptist Church's Chapel. The family will receive friends following the service in the church parlor.

Arrangements by Brown-Wynne Funeral Home, Saint Mary's St. Raleigh.

Condolences may be sent to www.brownwynne.com