Irving Moore Jr
Irving Moore Jr., of Collinsville, MS, passed away peacefully in his home on April 14, 2023. Born on December 10, 1948, in Philadelphia, Mississippi, to the late Irving Moore Sr. and Oceola Moore, he was the first of five children and grew up in the Noxapator, MS (Stallo community).
Irving Moore Jr., affectionately known to many as "Junior," found his faith in Jesus Christ at Mt. Pleasant Missionary Baptist Church in Noxapator, MS. Later in life, he became a devoted member of Pleasant Ridge Baptist Church, where he served as a Deacon until his passing. Irving was an alumnus of Mississippi Valley State University in Itta Bena, MS. He believed strongly in the power of education and encouraged young people and students to pursue higher education.
On August 11, 1981, he married the love of his life, Sadie Carolyn Gaddis Moore, who preceded him in death. In their union, they have two daughters, Crystal Nicole Moore (Jackson, MS) and Cheryl Lynn Moore Blanks (Collinsville, MS).
He leaves to cherish his memory his son Gary Carter (Philadelphia, MS - Gary Jr., Brianca, Aaron, and Ciara Carter); one son-in-law, Carlessio Blanks; grandson, C.J. Blanks. He was also a loving brother to his sisters Judith Lyons (Deceased), Arnita Moore Woodard (Deceased), Sherry Moore-Wright, Reshoda Wiseman (Corey), and Naundra Lyon-Heidelberg. He leaves to cherish his memory with his two living Aunts, Quarteen Baxton (St. Louis, MO) and Mary Shields (Noxaptor, MS), a special cousin, Linda Lindsey, and many relatives, nephews, nieces, cousins, classmates and friends.
Irving started his career at Mississippi Action for Progress (Headstart) in Philadelphia, MS, where he served as Center Director. He then dedicated over 20 years of his career as a Machinist at Celotex in Meridian, MS. However, he didn't stop there, as he continued his career as a landscaper and founded Moore's Landscaping and Lawn Services. Irving believed in working hard and did not retire, continuing to work until his passing. Apart from work, he enjoyed spending time with his family, fishing, attending HBCU football games, debating in Sunday School, watching western movies, playing with his grandson C.J., and contributing to his church and community.
A visitation for Mr. Moore will be held from 6:30–7:30pm on Friday, April 21, 2023, at Berry and Gardner Funeral Home (1300 34th Ave, Meridian, MS 39301). Services will be held on Saturday, April 22, 2023, at 11am at Pleasant Ridge Baptist Church (8715 Okatibbee Dam Rd, Collinsville, MS 39325), with Rev. James Clark officiating. After the service, he will be laid to rest at Cedar Grove Cemetery.