Jean S. Moore

Jean Smith Moore, age 87, died as peacefully as she lived July 2, 2023 in Quiet Oaks Nursing home.  She was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, aunt and friend.

Jean was born on August 9, 1935 in Stephens, Georgia, to George Grattan and May Belle Smith.  She was the youngest of six children.  Jean grew up in the Stephens community where she was surrounded by a strong circle of family and friends.  She had a host of aunts, whom she adored, from her “Smith Family” who taught her to sew, cook, decorate, and love life and laughter. Her first and two best friends, Carolyn Howard Paradise and Lily Ruth McWhorter McFarland, grew up along-side her.  The three continued their childhood adventures into adulthood and remained best of friends all their lives.  Jean attended Oglethorpe County High School where she played basketball for the Indians.  She was part of the first women’s basketball team to make it to the state finals.  She graduated from Oglethorpe County High School in 1953.

In 1956, Jean married Norman Allan Moore and after a brief stint living in Athens, Georgia, they returned to Stephens where they would build their home and raise their family.  After Norman passed away in 1986, Jean continued to live in the home and place she loved.  Friends and neighbors were important to her, and she was the first person to welcome newcomers into the community.  She felt it was important to know her neighbors and enjoyed visits from “do drop inners” as she called them just to enjoy a chat and a glass of sweet tea.  She was never too busy to help a friend.

Jean was a devoted member of her beloved Antioch Baptist Church of Stephens where she served the Lord her whole life.  As early as 13, Jean started teaching Sunday School.  She served in numerous other capacities including Vacation Bible School Director, Church Secretary, served on numerous committees, and as church pianist until her arthritis no longer allowed her to play.  She loved her church family and never missed an opportunity to invite someone to Antioch.

In her early years, Jean worked at The University of Georgia Extension Service.  After the birth of her first child, she stayed at home to raise her family.  She later went to work at The Commercial Bank and worked there until the birth of her second child.  In the summer of 1975, Jean was asked to fill in as a summer secretary at Oglethorpe County High School, and she accepted the job.  She would spend the next 27 years employed as the high school secretary and school bookkeeper.  Miss Mo, as she was affectionately called by students and staff, forged many friendships and was loved by a great many during her time at OCHS.

Jean had quite a green thumb and loved flowers and decorating.  She was also an amazing cook and was known for her famous cucumber sandwiches, pineapple sandwiches, and coconut pies.  She was frequently called upon to add her touches to weddings, parties, and social gatherings.

Jean was a wonderful example of a mother, grandmother and friend.  Nothing gave her greater joy than having her children and grandchildren at home whether for Sunday dinner or a pop-in visit in the middle of the week.  As her health declined, Jean was blessed to have two very special people, Miriam Pledger and Sarah Hull, as the most caring and compassionate caregivers.  The family also wishes to express sincere thanks to the CNAs, nurses, and staff at Quiet Oaks Health Facility for caring for and loving “Aunt Jean” as they did.

As well as her parents and husband, Jean was predeceased by her sister Katherine Smith Brackett, and her brothers Tom Smith, HC “Coot” Smith, George Beasley Smith, and John Smith.  She is survived by her daughters, Norma Jean Stafford, Joni Keiser and son-in-law Don Keiser, grand children Nikki Rowden (Brett), Aimee Stafford, Alex Stafford, Matson Keiser (Janina), Christian Keiser (Taylor), Kaden Keiser, great-grandchildren Kole Brown, and Mason and Emmy Rowden, and a host of nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends Wednesday, July 5 from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. at Antioch Baptist Church in Stephens, Georgia, with a celebration of life ceremony beginning at 2:30.  Internment will immediately follow the service in the Antioch Baptist Cemetery.  The Reverends Ken Keely and Brett Mask will have charge of the service.  As Jean loved flowers, all are accepted or contributions may be made to her beloved Antioch Baptist Church.

Lord & Stephens Funeral Home, EAST, Athens is entrusted with arrangements. www.lordandstephens.com.