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Sara Ruth Oakes Moore, 87, of Johnson City, Tenn., passed away peacefully on August 11, 2024. She was born on March 1, 1937, in Carter County, and was a lifelong member of Hopwood Christian Church. Sara grew up in the Milligan College area and graduated from Happy Valley High School. Her dream was to become a housewife and have several children, then to teach. When her children were all in school, she returned to Milligan College and finished her bachelor’s degree. Sara taught first grade at Happy Valley Elementary for 27 years. She enjoyed singing in the choir and visiting the shut-ins of the community. 

She was preceded in death by her parents, Frank and Rachel Oakes; husband of 46 years, Richard “Dick” Moore Sr.; sister, Barbara Oakes Baker; and brother, Rodney Oakes. 

She is survived by her sons, Richard (Marie) Moore, Frank (Andrea) Moore, Peter (Kim) Moore and David (Tami) Moore; grandchildren, Sarah Marie (Ermal) Liko, Laura Moore, Nathaniel Moore, Hannah (Travis) Hinton, Shaila (Harvey) Hernandez, Matthew Moore, Caitlin Moore, James Henderson and Mary Henderson; great-grandchildren, Chloe, Noah, Marcella, Norah and Micah; and several nieces and nephews. She is also survived by her special friends, “Sister” Betty Burleson and Clarice Wilkinson. 

The family would like to extend gratitude to her longtime caregiver, Tracey Fann, and the staff at Hillview Health and Rehab. 

“The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’ Matthew 25:40. Known affectionately as Maw, Sara epitomized doing for the least of these. In fact, she brought doing for the least of these to a whole new level. Maw fed every creature that came on her property, and the word got out. There were always stray dogs, cats, squirrels, and birds that came to her door and feeders daily to be fed. She fed chickens, donkeys, goats, bunnies, and ponies in her days too. In fact, her mother said that when Sara was little, she would leave food out for the cockroaches. She was truly a champion of the least of these. And did she ever love her grandchildren! Maw was cookies, Maw was fudge, biscuits with gravy, sloppy joes, fried chicken, Mickey Mouse pancakes. She loved her family together, loved hearing her sons play music, and loved watching the grandchildren play. Maw loved unconditionally; she loved sacrificially; she loved without bounds. She wasn’t judgmental. She accepted people like Jesus did, right where they are. Proverbs 31, ‘the Wife of Noble Character,’ really describes Maw. She loved God, and she faithfully served him through loving his creatures. 

 

A celebration of her life will be held at 2 p.m. on September 21 at Hopwood Christian Church, 109 Hopwood Lane, Milligan College, TN 37682. A graveside service will be immediately following in Williams Cemetery. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family via www.morrisbaker.com.

Morris-Baker Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 2001 E. Oakland Avenue, Johnson City, is serving the Moore family. (423) 282-1521