Melvina Moore

Our hearts are heavy with sadness over the passing of Melvina Moore on December 23, 2025.

Melvina was born to Andrew and Ella Mae Moore on July 28th 1945 in Ridgeway South Carolina. Frances Arthur and Anderson were her older siblings. Her younger siblings Clara,  Claude, Paul, Carolyn, and Pat followed. Deborah rounded the family up to ten siblings. Growing up Melvina's family nickname was Coota. At an early age everyone worked and contributed to supporting the family. The work was hard but there were few complaints. This was where Melvina developed her strong work ethic.

Though life was not always easy the family was happy and close. Melvina graduated from Garner Consolidated in 1966 and was eager to embrace her independence and live on her own. After graduating in 1966 Melvina launched her career with IBM. She was successful and deservedly proud of her career and accomplishments. She won recognition awards for her work contributions and performance and was promoted to the supervisory position of Department Technician. The family was also proud of Melvina's accomplishments. She set an example for her younger siblings. Melvina retired from IBM in 1993, but continued working as long as she was able. She was a school bus driver for Wake County, a quality inspector for Plant Systems Inc, and finally a prison guard for NC Women's prison.

Melvina always gravitated to Mama's house along with everyone else. Melvina loved her Mama and Mama was probably the only person to whom she would bend. There were large family gatherings, holiday celebrations, and weekend get togethers. No one including Melvina could resist Mama's home cooking or the party atmosphere of the home. Friday fish nights and fried chicken any day of week were Melvina's favorites. The family size contributed to a lot of fun and drama. Something was always happening, much like the stories on The Young and the Restless that was a favorite daily soap. Melvina was especially close to her sisters. Through the years they visited called and took Sister trips.

Melvina lived her life on her terms. She knew her mind and refused to compromise. Melvina had proposals but chose not to marry. Melvina loved her pets and  chose cats and dogs for her roommates. Her last pet was a neighbor's cat that she adopted.  The neighbor came knocking when he missed his cat and tracked him down to Melvina's. After some discussion he agreed to let Melvina keep the cat as long as she was able. Melvina had already renamed the cat to Tiger and he stayed with her till she went into assisted living. Melvina was a charming lady. Melvina loved to travel. She was part of a cruise group. her best friend Kat was also part of the group. Even after the cruising stopped for Melvina, Kat never stopped calling or visiting Melvina. Their friendship lasted a life time and they shared a sisterly love and a single spirit. Melvina was the life of a party. She loved to socialize. In her younger years she loved to attend dances and clubs and take weekend trips to Fort Bragg. Melvina had many other interests. She loved plants and cooking. She sewed her own clothes for many years. She loved to decorate and listen to music. Millie Jackson was an old time favorite. Melvina was a tournament winning recreational league tennis player. She had a strong fashion sense and loved to shop for clothes and shoes, a lot. And oh how Melvina loved to walk outdoors, deferring only to rain or cold.

Melvina developed vascular dementia. Melvina lost memories but she never lost her ability to connect with people and find joy in moments. Till the end folks were drawn to Melvina's well crafted wise cracks, story telling, and sense of humor. In conversations she would often ask about family members...where was Mama, have you seen Frances, when did you last talk to Clara...It was hard for Melvina to relive these losses, eventually the conversation would turn to who was left in the family. The answer would always be only four siblings were left, Melvina Claude Paul and Pat.

Melvina's remaining siblings, in-laws, extended family of nieces and nephews, Aunt Louise, friends and care givers mourn her loss. We will hold on to our memories of this special lady.

Remember Melvina when you're taking a walk, especially if it's a fall day, under a blue sky, and the trees are taking on their autumn colors, Melvina's favorite time of year.

A Memorial service is planned for 11 AM Friday January 9, 2026 in the C A Haywood, Sr. Memorial Chapel, 2415 South Wilmington Street, Raleigh, NC. 27606.

Click here to watch Live Stream

https://www.hdezwebcast.com/show/celebration-of-life-for-melvina-moore

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