Margaret Ann (Thompson) Moore

Margaret, known to many as Ann, was born on June 8, 1937, in Bastrop County to AJ Thompson and Jeroline Hyder Thompson. She was the fourth oldest of twelve children.

Foundation of Faith

Ann professed a hope in Christ at an early age at Mt. Rose Missionary Baptist Church in Bastrop, Texas, under the pastorage of the late Reverend D.M. Hall. Much of her childhood and young adulthood was spent attending worship services with her grandmother, Mattie Hyder, throughout the city of Bastrop. These early experiences became the foundation of her strong faith, which carried her throughout her life.

Marriage and Family

Ann was united in Holy Matrimony to James Collins Sr. on April 2, 1955. To this union, nine children were born. As a devoted wife, Ann moved her church membership to join her husband at Union Hill Missionary Baptist Church in Utley, Texas, under the pastorage of the late Reverend J.D. Cleveland.

Values She Shared

As a young mother, Ann instilled in her children the same Christian values that had been instilled in her. She reminded them to keep God first, respect their elders, and treat others the way they wanted to be treated.

Work and Education

Ann worked in the culinary field at the Magic Mill restaurant in Bastrop before moving to Austin in 1973. After relocating, she continued to pursue her education and professional growth. She earned a certificate as a nurse’s aide, and in 1983 she attended ACC night school, where she received her GED.

Early Work with Austin Independent School District

Ann continued her work in food services with the Austin Independent School District. She served as a substitute cook in various school cafeterias, where she gained valuable experience and strengthened her skills in food service. During her career with AISD, she completed the required courses and qualifications to become a Food Service Manager. She spent many years serving in that position at Robert E. Lee and Pecan Springs Elementary Schools. After more than 20 years of dedicated service, Ann retired from AISD.

Marriage and Loss

In 1990, Ann’s husband, James, passed away after his battle with cancer. In 2008, Ann entered into Holy Matrimony with Merlin Moore. In 2010, Merlin passed away following a battle with congestive heart failure.

Faith, Family, and Service

Ann was deeply devoted to her family and remained a faithful member of her church throughout her life. She served on the Mission Board, sang in the choir, and spent more than 20 years teaching Sunday School and directing the Baptist Training Union. She also gave generously of her time through the Hospitality Committee, serving meals and bringing flowers to members who were hospitalized, ill, or unable to attend services.

Hobbies, Hospitality, and Faith

Ann enjoyed cooking, sewing, crafting, and gardening. She especially loved planting flowers in her yard, where their beauty continues to be admired by all who pass by.

Ann was dearly loved by many and became known as “Mama” to several people. She was always willing to share her knowledge of God with others, offering wisdom, encouragement, and faith wherever she could.

On August 25, 2026, surrounded by her family, Ann closed her earthly chapter to begin her eternal life in the presence of the Lord.

Preceded in Death

Ann is preceded in death by her husband of 30 years, James Collins Sr.; her son, James Collins Jr.; her daughter, Dora Jean Collins; Merlin Moore; her parents; four sisters; four brothers; one grandchild; and two great-grandchildren.

Left to Cherish Her Memory

Ann leaves cherished memories with her four daughters: Loretta Faye Green (Victor) of Cedar Creek, TX; Brenda Lynn Glascoe (Phillip) of Manor, TX; Marguerite Reed and Jerolynn Collins, both of Austin, TX. She is also survived by three sons: Charles Collins (Cynthia) of Bastrop, TX; Alan (KC) Collins of Manor, TX; and Gregory Wayne Collins of Austin, TX; two sisters, Madell Thompson of San Antonio, TX, and Adell Halton of Bastrop, TX.

Her legacy continues through ten grandchildren, twenty-seven great-grandchildren, and ten great-great-grandchildren, along with many nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.