Lavonna Moore

Lavonna Deel Moore, 88, of Wilson, died at the Wilson Medical Center on June 21, 2016. She was born on May 9, 1928 in Dickenson County, Virginia to the late Bruce and Gracie Deel. She grew up as one of 14 children in the coal-mining country of western Virginia. It was a loving and hard-working family that remains close to this day. Seven of her brothers and sisters -- Flornia, Ruth, Lionel, Carrie, Sally, Bruce and Charlie -- preceded her in death. When she was a young woman, she followed some of her family to Hampton, Virginia and there she met the love of her life, Gilbert Moore. Lavonna was happy to bring four children into the world over the next twelve years. She loved being a mother, almost as much as her children loved being mothered by her. She remained cheerful and always nurturing as Gil’s job as a salesman required frequent moves. Not only was she a wonderful wife and mother, but a true home maker. She loved cooking, gardening, sewing, making crafts, helping with her children’s schools and activities, and caring for many pets (she loved animals!). She had a kind and giving heart. She made friends wherever she went and loved helping others. She worked as a volunteer for Person County Memorial Hospital, The Growing Tree Child Care Center, Wilson Medical Center, and Meals on Wheels and prided herself on how many gallons of blood she donated to the American Red Cross. Once all the children were grown with families of their own, Lavonna and Gil were thrilled to welcome one grandchild after another, and the grandchildren loved special visits with their Papa and MeMe. Lavonna and Gil made birthdays and holiday gatherings (especially Christmas) always special times full of eating, laughing, and sweet affection. They especially looked forward to extended family beach trips at Emerald Isle that took place for more than twenty years. In later life, when Gil became very sick, Lavonna lovingly took on the task of caregiver for many years. He predeceased her in 2002. In 2010 Lavonna moved to The Landing at Parkwood Village where she, and her sweet little dog Zoe, made many more good friends that she enjoyed until the day before she died. The family wishes to express their appreciation to the wonderful staff at The Landing and to her caregivers, Tiffany Artis and Patti Whitehead. Lavonna is survived by her three daughters, Wanda Hunter (Tye) of Chapel Hill, Debbie MacDonald (Steve) of Jacksonville, FL, Libby Smith (Nelson) of Rocky Mount, and one son, Hugh Moore of Sanford. She is also survived by six brothers and sisters, Rita Deel of Hampton, VA, Rachel Holt of Roanoke Rapids, Patsy Batten of Chattanooga, TN, Barry Deel of Unicoi, TN, Rolfe Deel of Jacksonville, NC, and Polly Ross of North, VA; six grandchildren, Susannah Hunter (Luke Gilligan), Sam Hunter; Katy Fuller (Jason), Adam Urzen-Smith (Jessy), Rachel Gonwa (Joe), and Elizabeth Moore; two great-grandchildren, Amelia and Isaac Gilligan; dozens of nieces and nephews; and her beloved dog, Zoe. Lavonna charmed everyone she met and was quick with a hug, a kiss or a pat. We will all miss her beautiful smile and bright light. A celebration of Lavonna’s life will be held Saturday, June 25, 2016 at First United Methodist Church at 11 am with the Rev. Charles J. Robl III officiating. Memorial gifts may be made to the First United Methodist Church in Wilson (www.fumcwilson.org) or the UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center in Chapel Hill (www.unclineberger.org).