Catherine Moore

Catherine was born on August 10, 1933, in Arlington, Virginia—a time of recession, war, and uncertainty. It was this period that set the foundation for her courage. During her youth, Catherine was a tomboy, spending much of her time with her brothers, Tecumseh “Junior” (deceased) and Carlyle, where she learned how to fight and play baseball. She continued this toughness throughout her life; her feistiness and no-nonsense attitude were hallmarks of her personality.

While Catherine’s education began in Kemper School in Arlington, she attended both Junior High and High School in DC. At the age of 16, she graduated from Dunbar High School as valedictorian of her class. Following high school, Catherine entered Miner Teachers College, completing two years of study. Miner Teachers College, a historical college in DC, was created specifically to train young Black women to become teachers.

Catherine was adorned with several nicknames—most notable were, “Kitten,” “Reds,” “Sista,” “C. Moore,” “Big Mama,” and “Cappo.” Her most widely known name, however, was “Mama,” which was used not only by her family, but by many neighborhood children and family friends as well. She was proud to be a great-great grandmother, and considered it a blessing to be the head of a family that ran five generations deep.

“Mama” raised six children as a single mother and unselfishly supported them all her life. A fiercely independent woman, she never had a driver’s license nor owned a car. If she needed to go grocery shopping and could not get a ride, it was not uncommon for her and her children to walk to the A&P store on Columbia Pike. Her two girls would pull the grocery cart, while she pushed the baby stroller. All filled to capacity with groceries, they would then take the same route back—down Columbia Pike to Walter Reed Drive, and home on South 19th Street. They would also ride the 10S bus to Parkington or Clarendon, or on good days, trek down to Shirlington. Later on in life, Mama didn’t hesitate to call on her granddaughters to take her to Target or Walmart—outings they’ll hold dear forever. As a senior adult, Catherine did not shy away from technology, relying on her laptop or her iPhone to keep up with family on Facebook.

Catherine worked as a Mail Handler for the United States Postal Service for over 20 years. However, her heart’s true desire was to be a school teacher. Her love of teaching was bestowed upon her children. She insisted that they do their best in school, were well-mannered, and able to read, write, and speak well. As the Master’s Plan would have it, after she retired, her dreams came to fruition when she became her grand- and great-grandchildren’s very first “School Teacher.” Under her instruction, they learned their ABCs, to write their names, to sound out words, and to color in the lines. Of course, not all graduated with honors from C. Moore’s “School of Fine Arts,” the name given to her home/classroom by her favorite son-in-law. For those who stepped out of line, discipline was not spared. Mama was quick to grab the “heat for the seat” paddle, or have her students “pick a switch.” Alternatively, she might have reached for a set of Hot Wheels tracks or the nearest hairbrush.

Catherine’s greatest pleasure was being surrounded by her loved ones. She especially looked forward to going on adventures with her family—visiting different beaches, strolling on the boardwalk from sunup to sundown, and shopping for souvenirs and saltwater taffy. She was ecstatic when she took her first airplane ride to Orlando, FL with her son and his family, earning her “Pilot’s Wings” from US Airways. She had a ball adventure-seeking in Jacksonville, New York, Wildwood, Williamsburg, Myrtle Beach, Atlanta, Ocean City, Rehoboth Beach, and so on.

Catherine was a serious sports enthusiast and could have easily been a sports announcer. She memorized statistical facts of players in baseball, basketball, and football. Her favorite team was the [formerly named] Washington Redskins. She also spent time completing Word Search puzzles, coloring, watching daytime soap operas, and listening to either Motown Classics or her favorite Country Music. As an animal lover, she always had a pet in the house, be it a parakeet, a cat, a guinea pig, or a dog (she had a special place in her heart for Pit Bulls).

Catherine was first christened in the family church in Arlington and accepted Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior at a young age. In her golden years, Catherine attended church with her daughter’s family; and at the age of 83, she accepted the Lord’s calling to join Fort Foote Baptist Church, where she was baptized on March 12, 2017 by Pastor Lyles.

Catherine is preceded in death by two children: Donna and Darin, and daughter in-law, Mercedes. She is survived by four children: Margo (Sidney), Rodney (Renee), Marlon, and Cleavon. Additionally, she leaves to cherish her memory: a brother (Carlyle), a sister (Marquita), 21 grandchildren, 38 great grandchildren, 8 great-great grandchildren, and many dearly loved nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

A visitation for Catherine will be held Tuesday, April 4, 2023 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at Fort Foote Baptist Church, 8310 Fort Foote Road, Fort Washington, MD 20744, followed by a funeral service at 11:00 AM with burial at Pleasant Valley Memorial Park, 8420 Little River Turnpike, Annandale, VA 22003.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.murphy-funeralhomes.com for the Moore family.