Mary Doris Bridgeman Moore entered this world Nov. 7, 1923, as the cherished daughter of Hiram and Mattie Bridgeman from the town of Scranton and Hyde County located in northeast North Carolina. Her uncle, Neatus Bridgeman, was like a second father, since he lived in the family home all her younger years.
She was the youngest of six siblings, all of whom stepped into eternity before she took that journey herself on Monday, Aug. 14, 2017.
Her family circle included two older brothers, Edsel and Hallet Bridgeman; and three older sisters, Marjorie Bridgeman Spivey, Janice Bridgeman Poythress and Lydia Bridgeman Alcox. Mary’s numerous nephews and nieces shared her love and sweet spirit.
She was known to dance a few steps around that pot-belly stove to lively tunes performed on fiddles, guitars and banjos. A couple of her favorite tunes were “Take Me Home Country Roads” and “Hiram’s Daughter,” words written by some of her musical family members.
Mary Bridgeman became the cherished wife of Macon Moore of the town of Aurora and Beaufort County, N.C., in 1943. Their marriage lasted 40 years until Macon’s earthly departure in 1983. She announced recently that she wanted to go to heaven to see her Mama and her Macon and we believe she will do so. Macon might be waiting and willing to spin her around in some waltz steps to the tune of “Tennessee Waltz” once again.
Mary Moore exited this world at age 93 as the cherished mother of five children from Wilmington. Her loving caregivers were daughter, Phyllis Moore Stevens; son, Macon Vance Moore, with his wife, Brenda Pat; son, Rodney G. Moore, and twin sons, Alton T. Moore, and his wife, Debbie, and Dalton E. Moore. All five of her children are residents of the Wilmington, N.C., area. Grand Mom Mary was honored by five grandchildren. They are Ramon (Raylee) Stevens, Brian T. Moore, Erica Paige Moore James, and Lauren Moore who live in the Wilmington area. One grandson, Rudy L. Stevens, who currently represents the Moore family in the U.S. Army at Fort Benning, Ga. Six great-grandchildren added to Mary’s circle of blessings that include Jesse and Logan James of the Wilmington area and Oliver, Henry, Charlotte and William Stevens, who currently reside at Fort Benning, Ga.
Mary B. was educated in her beloved home of Scranton and Swanquarter, N.C., town schools. She served her country during World War II in the U.S. Navy shipyard in administrative duties while her husband Macon served in the Merchant Marines during that time. Her most fulfilling endeavor was providing for her home and children. When her family was out from under her primary care, she worked at Belk Berry retail shopping store at Independence Mall in customer service for about 25 years. Her later years were spent in declining health along with a determined spirit and continued kindness.
Mary’s hope was ever present as she cherished one of her favorite Christian hymns from her childhood. “Soft, as the voice of an angel, breathing a lesson unheard, Hope with a gentle persuasion, Whispers her comforting word: Wait till the darkness is over, wait till the tempest is done, Hope for the sunshine tomorrow, After the shower is gone. Whispering hope, O how welcome thy voice, Making my heart in its sorrow rejoice.” — Whispering Hope words and music by Alice Hawthorne.
A graveside funeral service will be held at 11 a.m., Thursday, Aug. 17, at Greenlawn Memorial Park conducted by her family assisted by Coble Ward Smith Funeral Home of Wilmington.
Dr. Dean Karras of New Hanover Medical Group and Lower Cape Fear Hospice provided thankful and kind health care and support as she continued her preparation for her journey into eternity.
Share online condolences with the family at coblewardsmithfh.com.
