Leila Moore

I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 8 Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.                                                               2 Timothy 4: 7-8

    Leila O. Moore was born on April 29, 1937, in Marion, South Carolina, to the late Marie and Stephen Owens. She peacefully departed this life, surrounded by loved ones, leaving behind a legacy of love, faith, and service.

    Leila was educated in the schools of Marion, later attending Allen University. She went on to further her studies at Hampton University. She dedicated her professional life to education, beginning her career in Mullins and spending most of her years teaching at Easterling Elementary in Marion School District One where she touched countless young lives with wisdom, patience, and grace. Her passion for education was only rivaled by her love for her family, whom she cherished above all else.

    Her dedication to education extended beyond the classroom.  She was a member of Lily of the Valley OES Chapter #264 for fifty years, an organization that promotes charitable work, education and fellowship.  She was also a member of the Alpha Kapa Alpha Sorority an organization whose purpose is to provide “Service to All Mankind”.  Some of the things she enjoyed doing was travelling within her family, listening to gospel and Christmas songs, playing games, reading and doing crossword puzzles.

    She had a knack for making everyone feel welcome, offering both a listening ear and a generous heart. Leila’s strength, compassion, and unyielding love for her family and friends were unmatched. She will be remembered not only for her extraordinary kindness but also for her ability to inspire others to live with grace, humility, and love.

    A devoted woman of faith, Mrs. Moore was a lifelong, faithful member of St. John AME Church.  Her faith guided her life, and she led by example—devoted to Christ, her family, and all children she encountered.

    Leila was united in marriage to the late Rev Garrett Moore, Jr.   Alongside her late husband, Garrett Moore, Jr., she served faithfully as a pastor’s wife and First Lady to the congregations he led. She lived as a true child of God, sharing Christ’s love with all she met.

    From their union, there came a legacy of love and faith. Leila was a loving mother to her daughter, Stacie Moore Bowens (Curtis Bowens, cherished as a son). She deeply loved her grandchildren: Shalise Bowens (Dasean DeShazer); Brandon Bowens; and Stephen Bowens. She shared the joy of great-grandchildren Khyden and Mycah DeShazer

    She was preceded in death by her brothers, Joseph Owens and Holmes Owens, and leaves to cherish her memory her beloved sisters, Ruth Carpenter and Lottie Branch, a niece Kathy Pegram, a nephew John Branch Jr, a special great niece SouleikaJohnson (reared on the homestead) and a host of great nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

    Leila also shared a special bond with those she lovingly called her "special children," including Nicole Threatt, Natalie Perry, Sandra Harrell and Roshonda Tyler, whom she held close to her heart.

    Leila O. Moore lived a life rooted in service, love, and faith. She will be remembered as a steadfast educator, a devoted matriarch, a servant of God, and a light in the lives of all who knew her.

“Well done, good and faithful servant.” – Matthew 25:23

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