Patsy (Gilreath) Moore

Patsy Gilreath Moore, affectionately known as "Mama Moore," was born in North Wilkesboro, North Carolina, on December 22, 1940. She was the eldest of seven children born to Greene and Grace Dean Gilreath. As a young girl, she had a love for books, reading, and playing the piano. During her teenage years, she was a pianist at Saint Home United Methodist Church. 

In 1958, she graduated salutatorian from Lincoln High School, and in 1962, she earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in both French and English from Bennett College in Greensboro, North Carolina. 

She moved to Miami, Florida, in 1962 and began her career as an educator at North Dade Senior High School. That year, she met and married Algernon J. Moore, Sr. To their forty-year union five children were born, two sons: Howard and Algernon Jr., and three daughters: Angela, Joanna, and Rachel. 

Mrs. Moore was an uplifting and inspiring teacher who motivated, nurtured, and had a keen sense of concern for her students and their futures. She was proud of their accomplishments and held on to their exceptional work for years. She spent most of her career at Allapattah Junior High, Brownsville Middle, and Westview Middle Schools. 

Mrs. Moore was excited about the evolution of technology. After many years of teaching Language Arts and Reading, she decided to pursue her love for computers. In 1986, she earned a Master of Science Degree in Computer Education from Barry University. She recognized the importance of technology and its impact on the future of education and immediately began to teach computer applications to the school administrators, office staff, librarians, teachers, and especially her students. After 37 years of service with the Miami-Dade County Public Schools, she retired in 1999. 

Patsy had a heart of gold and a passion for politics. She often engaged in lengthy discussions regarding political and community issues. She was a community volunteer who logged many miles knocking on doors and making calls to encourage everyone to exercise their right to vote. She followed the national news and loved listening to National Public Radio (NPR). 

Patsy was a person with varied interests and talents. She loved sewing, quilting, and gardening. She was excited to make little dresses to send to Haiti and Africa. She loved African history and understood its importance for our pride and empowerment. 

Mrs. Moore was a gentle, sweet lady of high ethical standards, integrity, and character.  She was soft-spoken, kind, loving, and remembered by family and friends for her unique and infectious laughter. Patsy touched the hearts of all who knew her. 

Patsy was a devoted mother. She was humble yet incredibly proud of all of her children. She pointed them in a direction, allowed them freedom of mind, gave them space to gain experiential knowledge, and never judged their outcomes. Her children will always remember her tender touch, unwavering support, and unconditional love. 

Mrs. Moore was preceded in death by her husband, Algernon Jerius Moore, Sr. and her son, Mojus Solomon Tenkamenin (Howard Warren Moore). 

Her life is and will always be celebrated by her devoted children: her son, Algernon Jerius Moore, Jr. of Miami, FL; three daughters, Angela Dawn Moore, Joanna Dean Moore, and Rachel Lynn Moore, all of Miami, FL; two sisters, Peggy Gilreath, of North Wilkesboro, NC and Grace Gilreath Williams of Los Angeles, CA; three brothers, Reggie, John, and Eric Gilreath, all of North Wilkesboro, NC; one sister-in-law, Sheppie Moore, of Martha's Vineyard, MA; eight grandchildren, Marcus Jackson, of Clarksville, TN, Hasan and Jihad Shepherd, of Jacksonville, FL, Queen Tiye, Queen Dahia, Queen Maatkara, Queen Candace Moore, and Kyla Harris all of Miami, FL; one great-grandson, Marcus Jackson, Jr., of Clarksville, TN; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. 

Funeral services for Mrs. Moore will be 12:00 noon, Saturday, September 5, 2020 at Reins-Sturdivant Chapel with burial in Scenic Memorial Gardens.  The family will receive at Reins-Sturdivant Funeral Home from 10:00 AM until 12:00 PM prior to the service.

To view her Homegoing Celebration visit www.patsygmore.com

Online condolences may be made at www.reinssturdivant.com

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