Mary Louise Moore

Mary Lou was born on November 5, 1923, in Genesee Depot, Wisconsin, to Dr. Joseph Henry and Mrs. Ethel (Trakel) Evans. She graduated from high school and later from Marquette University, where she studied dental hygiene.

In 1943, while working as a dental hygienist in Milwaukee during World War II, Mary Lou met Charles “Chuck” L. Moore, who came in for a routine cleaning before reporting for military service. They exchanged addresses and began corresponding during the war. Through their letters, a friendship blossomed into a courtship. Their first official date was to celebrate the end of the war, and—because war puts life into perspective—they married shortly thereafter on December 29, 1945.

Mary Lou and Chuck enjoyed a loving 44-year marriage filled with adventure and travel before his passing in 1989. During Chuck’s military service, they lived in various parts of the United States and even spent time in Newfoundland, Canada, before eventually settling in Memphis, Tennessee, in 1963.

When they were first married, Chuck was stationed at Randolph Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas, and Mary Lou worked as a dental hygienist on base. After transferring to Offutt Air Force Base in Omaha, Nebraska, she became a full-time homemaker and devoted mother. Mary Lou was a proud officer’s wife and the loving mother of four children: the late Jo (Moore) Hinton, Charles “Chuck” L. Moore, James “Jim” A. Moore, and Michael “Mike” G. Moore.

Mary Lou loved playing bridge with her friends, swimming at the YMCA, singing in the choir at Whitehaven Presbyterian Church, driving cancer patients to appointments, delivering Meals on Wheels, and donating blood—more than 20 gallons over her lifetime. She rarely missed an episode of Jeopardy! and loved watching football and basketball, especially when Memphis was playing.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Joseph and Ethel Evans; her sister, Bernice (Evans) Rankin; her brother, Dr. Harry Evans; and her daughter, Jo (Moore) Hinton.

Mary Lou is survived by her three sons: Charles “Chuck” L. (Sally) Moore, James “Jim” A. (Sara) Moore, and Michael “Mike” G. (Mary) Moore; her grandchildren: Tracy Hinton, Meghan Hinton Hooks (Rhyne), Haley Hinton Claxton (Ben), Mallory Moore Browder (Josh), Meryl Moore, Evan Moore (Kelly), Sam Moore, Tyler Moore, Chase Moore, and Michael Moore; great-grandchildren: Chesney Ellison, Karlee Fails, McCray Fails, Colton Easley, Benjamin Claxton, Mary Evans Claxton, and Eleanor Moore; great-great-grandchildren: Riggen Ellison, Halle Ellison, and Grayson Hernandez; and many nieces and nephews.

A visitation will be held at Memphis Funeral Home on June 1, 2025, from 4:00–6:00 p.m., followed by a graveside service on June 2, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. at Memphis National Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the American Cancer Society or the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA).