Molly O Mitchell Moore was born on April 5,1939 in Lubbock, TX to Arthur Samuel and Mattie Murle Mitchell. The family moved to Sulphur Springs where Molly grew up making many lifelong friends.
Molly loved taking dance lessons and performed at many dance recitals and in a local production of Tom Sawyer. She graduated from Sulphur Springs High School in 1957. After high school, Molly attended East Texas College in Commerce, TX. She was a member of Tooanoowe Social Club – which later because Gamma Phi Beta national sorority. Molly met her husband of 65 years, James Moore, when she was walking across campus her freshmen year. They married on Thanksgiving Day, November 27, 1958. A year later, they had their first child, Melony.
They moved to St. Louis when James was transferred while at McDonnell Douglas. Their second daughter, Terry, was born during this time. Upon their return to Texas, they lived in Garland; eventually, moving back to Sulphur Springs in 1964. James and Molly were lifetime members of First United Methodist Church in Sulphur Springs. Molly taught a young adult Sunday School class for several years.
In 1969, James became a General Contractor, working with his friend, Joe Ardis. They built homes throughout the 70’s; building much of Sulphur Springs, Mt. Pleasant, Mineola, Commerce through residential developments, assisted livings facilities, convenience/gas stations, and apartment buildings. Molly and Joe’s wife, Ann, assisted their husbands, picking out light and bathroom fixtures, wallpaper, paint and general aesthetics.
James and Molly loved to be around the water. The family spent summer weekends at the lake, fishing, boating and water skiing. In the winter, they would head with family to the mountains for snow-skiing.
In 1983, Molly became “Granny” when granddaughter, Holly, was born. She eventually had five granddaughters, one grandson, and ten great- grandchildren. Molly loved hosting her extended family for holidays and get togethers, usually including family friends in the mix. She relished the games (especially, Spoons), fun and laughter of a large gathering. Most weekends were spent with their couple friends – either dove hunting, playing cards, visiting, and traveling.
Molly enjoyed a variety of hobbies, from reading, singing karaoke with her friends, playing bridge monthly, golf, and tennis. She loved to travel and was able to go to China when the wall came down, Russia when they opened the borders, Germany, England, France, Greece – with the Island of Mykonos being her favorite.
Molly and James were members of the Sulphur Springs Country Club. Molly participated in Mother’s Culture Club, headed up the Alzheimer’s Walk 2005, played tennis with the Double “S” Tennis Club and supported her family in various activities.
Molly had a quick smile, love of life and people, and was a loyal friend to many. She was a devoted wife, loving mother, and intentional grandmother, always taking interest in anything her family was involved in or story they had to tell.
Molly was preceded in death by her husband, James Moore, parents, Arthur and Murle Mitchell, sisters, Joan Weir and Kay Appleton, brother, Samuel Mitchell, and great-granddaughter Harper Howard.
Molly is survived by daughters Melony Pennington, husband Tony Pennington and Terry Morris, husband Brad Morris, granddaughters Penny Howard, husband Dustin Howard, Holly Ragan, husband Tanner Ragan, Jennifer Heitman, husband Cole Heitman, Ryan Rackley, and Briana Pennington, and grandson Cameron Morris. Great-grandchildren Reese, Ramsey, and Ryan Ragan, Henry and Max Heitman, Lily and Seth Howard, and Kennedy and Knox Rackley.
Funeral arrangements have been made at West Oaks Funeral Home, 500 S Hillcrest Dr, Sulphur Springs, TX for Saturday, September 7. Visitation will begin at 2:00 p.m. with service following at 3:00 p.m. Graveside services following at the Sulphur Springs City Cemetery.
Pallbearers: Brad Morris, Tony Pennington, Cameron Morris, Tanner Ragan, Cole Heitman, and Dustin Howard. Honorary Pallbearers: Andy Weir, Jason Moore, Tim Huff, and Jerry McGowan.
The family requests in lieu of flowers, please make donations to SSFMC (Sulphur Springs First Methodist Church); Memo Line: In memory of Molly Moore.
Arrangements are under the direction of West Oaks Funeral Home. www.westoaksfuneralhome.com
