Obituary of Sarah Temple Moore

Sarah Temple Moore, beloved wife, mother and friend of all who knew her passed away on Monday, December 14, 2015, at her lifelong home on Lookout Mountain surrounded by her sons and their wives. The daughter of Walter Theodore and Dorothy Jackson Temple, she was predeceased in 2006 by her husband Tom Moore Jr. Mrs. Moore’s life was dedicated to her husband, her five sons, her Lookout Mountain community, the Church of the Good Shepherd and her family home on the western brow of Lookout Mountain. There she was born on July 3, 1923; there she and Tom announced their post-World War II engagement in 1946; there they built their “new” home in 1950 on the property that had been in the Temple family since 1874; there they raised five active sons, where she oversaw many Moe Bowls and Whiffle Ball World Series while being named “queen” again and again for her love and nurture of the fun loving community events; there she practiced her love for art and hosted art classes with her artist friends; there she was honored at the dedication of Temple Park; there this past October she hosted her granddaughter’s wedding; and there she paid her earthly farewell. Mrs. Moore’s love of art began at a young age. She began her interest in painting with art studies at Sweet Briar College. With her husband, she invested in art and together became art business entrepreneurs. They opened Mont Crest Art Gallery, one of the first in the Chattanooga to offer original paintings, and Gallery 210, one of the first businesses in the Bluff View area. Mrs. Moore was appointed to the initial board of the Tennessee Arts Commission by Governor Winfield Dunn. More rewarding to her than these achievements, however, was her adult grandchildren’s desires to have at least one Sarah Moore original painting in their homes. Mrs. Moore was a proud alumna of the Bright School, where her mother taught; Girls Preparatory School where friendships were reinforced that lasted lifetimes; and Sweet Briar College, where she played varsity basketball and field hockey. Her love of sports continued throughout her life, especially in following the sports careers of her sons. That love and dedication was most exemplified by attending seven baseball games in one day. Mrs. Moore lived a full life—a life full of those she loved and those who loved her. Her positive attitude and joyful nature reflected a life of great gratitude. She often would say, “I feel there have been angels all around us. There have been so many miracles.” Her life was blessed with her marriage to Tom Jr., in its 60th year when he died, and her five sons and their wives: Tom III and Helen, Ted and Mary, Chris and Ellen, Tim and Mary, and Freddy and Beth; her 18 grandchildren (5 of whom are namesakes): Hadley, Courtney, Kendall, Frederick, and Sarah Grayson; Tommy, Sarah Temple and Will,; Sarah Zane, Timothy, Christopher and Laura; Andrew, Jackson and Hamilton; and Sarah Marshall, Trice and Temple; and 14 great grandchildren: Matthew; Mackenzie, Taylor and Sarah Katherine; Cooper, Grayson, and Campbell; Sam and Maya and Maeve, Hanna and Maggie Rose; and born this year Liv (June) and Mac (November). Even over the recent period of limited life in her home, her home was filled with caregivers who delighted in her presence and openly loving her, especially Maxine Jones, Cheresa Cochran, and Suzette Thomas. Her love will last for generations in many hearts. Services to celebrate her life will be held on Wednesday, December 16th at 2:00PM at the Church of the Good Shepherd on Lookout Mountain where Mrs. Moore was a dedicated parishioner for 67 years. Following a private family burial service, the family will receive visitors at 1:00PM in the Good Shepherd parish hall. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Church of the Good Shepherd or the charity of one’s choice. Arrangements are by Wann Funeral Home & Cremation Center, at the foot of historic Lookout Mountain, St. Elmo. (423) 821-7551. Share your memories at www.wannfuneralhome.com.