Susie Moore
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Marilyn Sue (Susie) Green Moore, 64, passed away on Wednesday, January 4th, 2012 at her home in Columbia while pansies bloomed in bright sunshine in her front door garden.
A celebration of life service will be at 2 p.m. Monday, January 9th at Broadway Christian Church. This will be a time to mourn, share memories, see friends, heal our sorrow and celebrate the life of a wonderful woman.
Susie was born in Carbondale, Illinois on September 4, 1947, to Wayne and Miriam (Bramlet) Green and grew up in nearby Marion, Illinois where she had a happy childhood with family and friends.
She graduated with a bachelor’s degree in pharmacy from Northeast Louisiana University (NLU) in Monroe, Louisiana in 1970 at a time when women pharmacists were a small minority. During her time at NLU she was a member of Kappa Delta, as well as Kappa Epsilon, a professional society for women in pharmacy. Her first position as a pharmacist was in Fort Worth, Texas, where in the summer of1971 she met her future husband, Richard A. Moore in the small pharmacy where they both worked. They were married on June 2, 1972 in Fort Worth, at University Christian Church by the Reverend Granville Walker. Soon after their wedding they moved to Lexington, Kentucky so Richard could complete 3 years of post-graduate clinical pharmacy education and training at the University of Kentucky. Then Susie and Richard moved to Houston, Texas for 5 years and then moved to Columbia in 1980. As a pharmacist, Susie was dedicated to counseling patients on their medications and she received a patient teaching award from the University of Missouri for those efforts. During her pharmacy career Susie provided pharmacist services from independently-owned pharmacies, corporate pharmacies, non-profit pharmacies and a hospital pharmacy.
One of Susie’s lifetime pursuits was singing, which served as her talent both times she was selected to participate in the Miss Northeast pageant at NLU. In her first year in the pageant she was elected Miss Congeniality by her fellow contestants, which at the time was deemed a unique accomplishment for a nonresident woman from the North attending a school in the deep South. But to those who knew her, it merely reflected her warm personality that continued to win many friends over her lifetime.
Susie’s many interests included church, tennis, gardening, cooking/baking, antiques, humor, playing the mountain dulcimer, the natural world, and healthy living. However, her most notable interest was developing caring and sustained friendships and it was there that she excelled. Throughout her lifetime Susie maintained a number of close personal friendships that started in Marion, Monroe, Fort Worth, Lexington, Houston and Columbia. Susie was active for many years with the Fortnightly Club at the University of Missouri in Columbia, serving in many roles including president. Also, prior to getting married, she served as a volunteer membership recruiter for the Texas Pharmacy Association. After moving to Lexington she initiated an informal social group of women pharmacists, much to the chagrin of some of the male pharmacists there at that time. In 1971 Susie became an approved member of the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution.
Perhaps the single best word to describe Susie is joyful. Her smile, good humor and enthusiastic approach to many activities were inspirational to all who had the good fortune to know her. Over many years Susie shared with both friends and new acquaintances her homegrown flower bouquets, cards and notes, gifts, stories, and laughter. Her personal handwritten notes emphasized caring, kindness, hope, love, faith and humor. She loved to take children to her garden areas to cut and arrange floral bouquets to take home. Susie’s legacy is the joy she shared with those around her.
Her 6-year struggle with cancer was tempered by her upbeat attitude and her concern for the lives of those around her. Susie always preferred focusing on others. She was loved by many and served as an inspirational role model. During her illness she received an enormous amount of love from her friends and caregivers, and for all those kindnesses the family is deeply grateful.
Susie grew up attending the First Baptist Church in Marion. After arriving in Columbia she and Richard became active members of Broadway Christian Church in 1982. There Susie served in many capacities including usher, deacon, elder, Sunday school music leader, outreach ministry, building planning, and vacation bible school. Susie was also a member of the church’s Chancel Choir for more than 25 years. She loved traditional Christian music, both formal and informal, and supported the church music program. She was a joyful Christian. Perhaps her favorite bible passage is from the prophet Micah 6:8 which says “…what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?”
Susie is survived by her husband Richard; her older brother John Green and wife Rita of Eureka, IL; her younger brother Heyward Green and wife Marsha of Waco, TX; plus John and Rita’s daughter and son and their families.
Instead of flowers, some may want to take a friend to lunch or dinner and tell him or her the things we often think of only after someone is gone. Memorials may be designated to the Chancel Choir at Broadway Christian Church, 2601 West Broadway, Columbia, MO, 65203.
Richard, My heart is broken for you. You are in my thoughts and prayers. I never had the privilege of meeting your wife, but she sounds like an angel God just called home. I know there is a vast emptiness for you right now, but I am here for tea or coffee anytime you need to chat. I know you have alot of friends, but I have always thought alot of you and would like to be here for you. Walk in faith and remember God is carrying you when you think you just can’t take another step. God bless you and your family…….Cindy
Richard, I’m so sorry for your loss. Reading about Susie and her life with you, shows me how blessed you both were to have each other. I know you will carry her in your heart always. For you, I wish the peace that only the wonderful memories of your life together can bring. Hold on tight. I believe that Susie will always be there for you. If I can help in any way, please let me know. Always your friend, Jean
Richard, wishing you love and kindness. You know how crazy we all were about Susie. And you were always her dashing knight in shining armour. What a privledge it was to care for you and Susie. Love from the Staff of AIU (by Angela Waller, RN)
Richard:
This is just the most heartbreaking news. I don’t think I’ve ever known a person with a more delightful, upbeat personality than Susie. Her sunshiny disposition will remain in my memory forever.
I am so, so very sorry for you loss.
Nancy Kevil
Susie will be remembered often and fondly. She’s the best.
To know Susie was to feel noticed–and appreciated–for who you were. In a world where people rush through life, it was so special to know someone who would actually stop and smell the flowers, who would pay attention to each person she was with. I worked with Susie as a pharmacist at the University of Missouri for a number of years and she truly cared for each patient’s needs as she filled their prescriptions. One of my favorite memories of Susie is how she treated a small child with multiple birth defects, a child who was actually hard to look at, when she was brought into the pharmacy by her parents. While she was waiting on the parents, Susie also talked to that child directly, with her usual special treatment, and you could just see how happy it made the parents for their child to be treated just like any other. I don’t think they felt like that very often, but that was Susie’s gift–to make everyone feel special. She gave that gift to me often, and I will truly miss her.
Richard, you know that many people hold you in their thoughts and prayers as you mourn the loss of your dear Susie.
Richard,
I only had the blessing of meeting Susie once. In that one brief encounter, I could tell how genuinely joyful, inspirational, and loving she was. She will be missed in this world.
My prayers are with you.
(Maranda – pharm. tech)
I was so saddened to hear the news. Susie was a kind, sweet and wonderful person and we will all miss her greatly. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this most difficult time.
Andee Gel
Richard, I am so sorry for your loss. When I was a young college student at Northeast in Monroe, Susie was the wise older student with the kind heart who made me feel special every time I talked to her. Through the years every note from her did the same thing. Susie reached and touched so many lives. I never had the privilege of meeting you, but Susie’s love for you came through in all her letters and cards, as did her joy in music and in family and in life. You and all your family and hers are in my thoughts and prayers. I regret I never got to hear Susie sing or play the dulcimer–hope that someday in heaven I will. She was so special and talented, and her whole life was a gift and testimony to the joy of life.
Richard, we were very sorry to hear of your loss. Though it has been many years since we crossed paths, we remember fondly the fun times in Lexington like it was only yesterday. Susie’s smile, laughter and enthusiasm will always stay with us. After reviewing her life’s accomplishments, she truly did leave her mark on this Earth, and touched the lives of many people. You and Susie will be in our thoughts and prayers.
I only met Susie a few times , the first time at Marsha and Heyward’s wedding and a couple of holidays at their home in Waco, but I remember she had an aire of happiness and joy about her.
When I was diagnosed with cancer I received a wonderfully warm and caring note of support and encouragement.
I know how much Marsha and especially Heyward loved her and will miss her. My prayers and thoughts are with you all. I love you,
Kathy Kay
(Marsha’s sister)
Seeing Susie’s smile could like up any dark area. My favorite memory is making a tip jar to place beside her when she was playing her dulcimer in the hallway outside AIU and watching her giggle when she saw all the pennies inside. I know she has touched so many hearts in her time here on earth. Heaven gained an amazing woman!
Richard
We are so sorry for your loss. Susie was a wonderful person who loved life and always had a wonderful smile and a kind word for everyone. We will miss her….. Fred & Kathleen
Richard,
I am so sorry for your loss. I will forever remember Susie’s warm smile and big laugh. Some of my favorite memories from my childhood were spent at get-togethers with “the gang”. She sent us cards often and was so thoughtful. She was wonderful and she will be missed…
Our deepest condolences on your loss. Susie was such a delightful soul, and I always felt that her candle shone a little brighter than everyone else.
When Aunt Mary and I visited you and cousin Susie in 2010, we met some of the people in her life (the tai-chi class, dulcimer players, the staff/patients at the hospital) and it was evident that everyone loved Susie. Even though we knew she was not feeling her best, the warmth of her personality not only made everyone around her smile—she brightened their day.
I always looked forward to her lovely chatty notes in birthday and Christmas cards….a view into the world of Susie. We had so much fun that day long-ago in Houston when we “transformed” her wardrobe.
I sometimes think Susie was what you’d get if you combined…irises in the spring, warm chocolate chip cookies, a golden retriever puppy, and a 5-yr old on Christmas morning…..something wonderful and very special!
We’ll be thinking of you and our thoughts and prayers will be with you. I know you’ll have an outpouring of support from family and Susie’s legion of friends.
Take care,
Patricia and Doug Griffith
Richard,
I’m so sorry for your loss. Susie was a wonderful woman who shared her joy with everyone she came into contact with. I have many happy memories of coming to your house where she would get my sister and I spoons so we could play and sing along with the music, and she would inevitably have some sort of treasure for us. Susie took delight in giving delight to others, which is something you don’t come across often. We were so thrilled to have you both at our wedding, and use the chalices often and think of you each time. I still have the lovely note she wrote us, too. She will be greatly missed.
Sara and Dennis
Dear Richard, You know how much Susie means to us. What a cheerful, joyful personality. Such a thoughtful person-always bringing fresh and dry flower arrangements. I treasure my dry flower arrangement she made for me. I know what a void her death brings to your life. Remember we are only a few blocks away. You are in our thought and prayers always.
Pat and Ted Wills
Richard, Our hearts are heavy with the loss of our dear friend, Susie. We are sure she is in Heaven playing her dulcimer, singing, gardening, playing tenis and doing something nice for everyone….just having a joyus time. We are sorry we will not be there for her funeral as we will be in Florida until February. At my last visit before we left, I (silently) told her “Goodbye”.She was a dear friend & we will miss her very much. Our thoughts & prayers are with you. Our love, Pat & Rex
This is a lovely tribute to dear Susie. She’s one-of-a-kind! God did good when He made her! We are all better people because of knowing her. I’ll never forget her beautiful, cheerful smile, hearty laugh and kind words and ways. She had a special knack of making people feel good about themselves. She was a gift to all of us.
Love to Richard and Susie’s family members.
I want you to know that I will never, ever, ever forget Susie. I know this for a fact because there are a handful of patients I have met who have touched me with their spirit, gratitude, kindness, grace, and wisdom in the face of some of the most harrowing challenges life can offer. Susie is one of my top 5 favorite patients of my entire career because she exemplified the best in all these qualities.
I clearly remember at our appointments, regardless of how bad she was feeling, she would always turn the conversation to me, how I was, my family, whether I was working too hard, etc. She truly was more concerned about my well being than her own even though she was the one who was sick. She always made me feel special and appreciated.
I will always carry a little piece of her in my heart, because she made such an impression on me. I know her spirit lives on and celebrates the joy that she spread during her time on earth.
Richard, I just wanted you to know how very sorry I am for your loss. Susie was such a warm and lovely soul, and I know my parents have valued her friendship greatly. I remember well how kind she was to me as a child, walking me around the garden, asking me in for a cookie or showing me her dulcimer. It is clear that she was a very special person who touched a lot of lives.
Richard, I am so sorry for your loss. What a beautiful tribute for your beautiful Susie. Susie was one of the nicest people I have ever met. She was positive, upbeat, and generous of her time, talents, and of course her flowers. She made such a positive impression on my children when they were small and she led the Sunday School music. They looked forward to sining with Susie. When Travis was graduating she let us come to your home to pick flowers and blossoms to decorate for the Senior tribute luncheon. What wonderful memories you have of your lifetime together. You were so lucky to have had Susie in your life. My prayers are with you. Ceresa
My sister Jane (Rabeni) sent me word of Suzie’s passing and just now the obitiary site. I’m so sorry for your loss and the loss to the Columbia community. I always enjoyed visiting with you and Susie when in Columbia, Monterey, and most recently in Camden, ME. Her positive, upbeat attitude through the course of this horrible disease was an inspiration. She will be forever missed.
Pat Russell, Hampden, ME
Mr. Moore,
The write up about Susie’s life is just beautiful and perfectly captures what we all love about her so much. I am glad you had the time that you did together–I know you were the perfect partners in every sense of the word. I can’t imagine how you must feel, but my family, like so many you and Susie have touched, is thinking of you during this dark hour.
Rachel & Chris Ouellette & family
Richard,
There has been no other like your Susie – always a kindness for my little girls and a caring inquiry of me. She set the example I hoped my children would encounter at Broadway. We share in your grief.
Richard,
The world has lost a shining light. All of those who knew Susie couldn’t help but love her. She left a legacy of care and concern for her patients that we can all hope to emulate. Carol
Susie was the nicest and most caring and giving individual I have ever known. My thoughts and prayers are with you Richard and her family at this time.
Richard,
Susie was such a lovely and caring person who will be sadly missed by everyone who was fortunate enough to know her. Know that many share your loss. I will never forget the years that I worked relief at Kmart in Columbia with her–she was always so upbeat and joyful. Her infectious laugh was such a wonderful attribute. She brought joy to so many and was a true friend to me. I hope that you will feel comforted at this difficult time. Susie is now in the everlasting arms of her Lord and Savior. May peace be with you.
Candy Haugtvedt
How sad I am to lose such a wonderful friend as Susie. She was a positive and loving person, always making us laugh, and always bringing flowers from her garden to her friends, spreading joy everywhere. It was a special treat to hear her sing and play her dulcimer. I, along with many many others, will miss her very much. May God give you comfort and strength, Richard.
Erna Lee Dunkerley
What a lovely tribute to Susie and her life. With sympathy and prayers.
Richard, I am so sorry to hear of the passing of Susie. I never had the fortune to know Susie, but am amazed by the effect she had on so many of our co-workers. I’ve heard wonderful things about her over the years, and I truly wish I’d had the privilege of knowing her.
God bless you as you transition to a life on earth without your best friend, and trusting in God’s promise of a new perfect body for her as now she is with our Lord in paradise. I hope to meet her one day. I will be praying for you, Richard.
I know Susie’s spirit is with us. That’s why those beautiful blue pansies are already blooming at her front door. The angel is already at work!
I think Dr. Crowder said it best. Susie’s spirit of giving, of thinking of others and acting on her caring thoughts was incredible. Also, let’s remember another important thing: I once asked you, Richard, why you married Susie. You immediately replied: She’s fun! She was a lot of fun, full of spontaneous energy, and a sharp, playful wit. I loved her. I miss her. I’ll never, ever forget her.
Barb Froke
May loving memories of your wonderful Susie enrich all your days and bring you peace.
All of us at Tai Chi loved her so much and feel privileged to have known her. She enriched all of our lives with her courage and her sunny, smiling presence. Memories of her kindness will always be with us.
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Susie was possibly the happiest person I ever met, a true reflection of her earthly and hevenly Father. Peace to you. Emily
Dear Richard;
I loved Susie’s smile, kindness. Susie will be remembered.
you will be in our preyer
Dear Richard,
We are so sorry about Susie passing away. To us she was such a wonderful friend and wonderful lady. We will miss her dearly. We always enjoyed the beautiful flowers she gave us and the great times we had together with her and you. We will always remember her for her kindness and good heart.
Joe, Fabiola, Daniel, and David
Richard: I am so very sorry for your loss. My heart is breaking at the loss of a wonderful and lifelong friend. I have many fond memories of Susie both in high school, church, and when we spent a lot of time at each other’s homes. I oftentimes recall hearing Susie sing “Ave Maria” in church; she had such a beautiful, clear voice. Susie always had a big smile and a twinkle in her eyes. She was a gracious and generous person. May God bless you and your family and give you comfort.
I will never be able to look at a flower or take a bite of blackberry cobbler without feeling the joy that is Susie.
Richard – my heart breaks for your loss, but I am also happy that you had so many wonderful years with such a beautiful person.
Jodie
Richard,
I was so sorry to hear of Susie’s passing. The obituary is wonderful! She truly did spread joy wherever she was. I remember once when we were cutting the hydrangeas from my tree that she would take home to use in her many arrangements–she said, “you know having cancer has just been a wonderful experience because I have met so many marvelous people!” It occurred to me that Susie was universally positive no matter what the situation! What a role model for us all. I was blessed to have known her.
Take care.
Becky Johnson
Richard, I don’t know whether you remember my bringing Juanita Winters and Mother (Mary Powell) to Columbia to visit Miriam. It’s been a few years ago. It was so good meeting you and getting to see Susie again. I remember how proud she was of the flowers planted in your yard and now reading her obituary I understand how important they were to her. Our families were so close, neighbors and friends. Susie will be so missed but she made such an impact on so many lives. My prayers and condolences to you, Heyward and family, and John and family. God bless you all.
Mr. Moore, family & friends….we have lost one of God’s children. Susie was an inspiration to us all with her joyful, caring nature. She was always positive and always wanting to do for others. I wish her and you peace….peace knowing that God has his arms around her. Peace that she lived a good life, a Christian life …one we all can aspire to be like. She will be missed but never forgotten. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Diane Oakley RN
Radiation Oncology Dept
Ellis Fischel Cancer Center
Richard –
Thank you for all your loving care for Susie. She was unique, the caliber of personality and spiritual development that one encounters only once in a lifetime. I’m so glad you were able to be there for her these last few months.
Peace be with you.
Sherron
Richard: I want to express my deepest sympathy to you. I will always remember all the great times we shared at work and meetings. Sorry I can not be there in person as I am in West Texas working full time while being retired. Thoughts and prayers are with you.
Richard it was an honor and a privilege to share in the celebradtion of life ceremony yesterday. My most fond rememberence of my aunt is on every birthday Jack receiving a $2 bill and both of us chuckling saying “aunt Susie”. When I told him about Susie’s passing he told me to make sure we keep all those $2 bills. Our deepest sympathies go out to you Richard.
John & Jenn
Richard, All of us at Ellis on AIU will forever keep you in our thoughts and prayers. We all loved Susie so much, she was such a dear, gentle, joyful soul!! She will be so missed. Thanks for sending us this beautiful reminder of her. We hope you will come see us on AIU once in awhile. God bless you.
Richard, I was so sorry to here about Susie’s death. I did not hear about it until after her memorial service. I always remember Susie as always smiling and enthusiastic for life, even when she was struggling with her illness. I also remember her as a wonderful gardner. I last visited with her in the early Spring when her brother was visiting. I saw them at Richard Saunders in Rocheport and Susie and I sat on a bench and had a long visit. Please know that I’m here for you if you need anything and I’ll always have fond memories of Susie….Virginia