Obituary of Donna Moore

Donna Turnbull Moore, 63, affectionately known as Kitten by her husband, died surrounded by family at home in Ladson on May 28, 2018 after a tireless fight with a long survived illness. She was the wife of Dennis Moore, the mother of Jenny Moore and Tosh Moore, and mother-in-law to Megan Moore, always known as “my” Megan.

Donna was born in Altavista on January 1, 1955, to Estelle McCrickard Turnbull and Eddie C. Turnbull. Her family moved to South Carolina when she was around 4 years old. She was preceded in death by a daughter - Sarah Beth Moore - and both of her parents. She is survived by her husband, her two children, and “my” Megan. She is also survived by her sister, Beth (and Joby) Vining of Columbia, and her two brothers, Mike (and Genell) and Ronnie (and Shirley) Turnbull of Summerville. And many nieces and nephews who she loved dearly.

Donna went to R.B. Stall High School. After schooling, many of her favorite years were spent working at Homemaker with her father. One fateful New Years Eve, 44 years ago, she met Dennis Moore at a party — doubling as her birthday party — with friends and family. Dennis was nervous to approach her, but worked up the courage to ask her to dance. She was always the best dancer. They danced and she fondly told him, “You wear out the top of my shoes and I’ll wear out the bottom.” He asked if he could see her again and she gave him her phone number before the night was over. The rest is history. Many of her years were spent helping her children grow into adults - teaching them the meaning of family, life, and love. Never absent from any event, she was always there to cheer and to comfort. She was at every baseball game. And each game was followed with an R.C. Cola and fries (often smothered with ketchup). She always came, bucket in hand, with sour apple big chew and bubble gum ready for the entire team during post-game celebrations. She welcomed talent show preparations on weekends for her daughter in elementary school - offering her thoughts on attire and the best dance moves. Although her life was not always easy, she thoroughly enjoyed it. She loved a warm afternoon on the beach, whether that be at Folly or Isle of Palms; her beach music that always prompted her to spend the day shagging or twisting; anything and everything yellow - including her favorite blanket and heart-eyes emoji pillow given to her by her sister. She loved a good witty banter with someone who could play along, a strong drink, and escaping to a tent in Cherokee. She adored a good beach chair in the back yard and would always invite her dogs to lay with her. She loved to watch General Hospital with her daughter, never missing an episode, on the weekends when both could sit and enjoy being with the other. She was a fan of Sundays at Ma & Papa’s house and hanging ornaments on the Christmas tree. She might have complained about, but moreover deeply loved her dog, Hannah Jane, and her loyal cat, Felix. She loved having her coffee with Felix on the back porch every morning. Hannah, she lovingly referred to as “little bitch”, always kept her on her toes and always kept her heart warm. She loved her mother’s homemade cornbread and chocolate beans. And she was a good cook too — always cooking without a recipe in hand and always creating something delicious that would be consumed and praised by a hungry family. Although she was naturally outspoken and open, she was hard to capture on camera. Little moments on home videos of her dancing and joking are held dear to family. She had the most wonderful laugh that would transform into a snorkel. She was known to have great faith in her family, often telling them that they could “do whatever you set your mind to” - even if it realistically might be outside the realm of opportunity. She was never one to follow rules or defined expectations - she always made her own and kept them. No one could tame her - she lived by her own ideas. We knew she felt well when she was sassy and cursing, without a shortage of quip responses in conversation. She was always proud of her children and profoundly appreciative, especially in her last six months, of their loving care. That was difficult for her, because she was always the one to take care of them.

She liked reading the obits of her loved ones and always saved a copy of them, but didn’t see the purpose of having a formal funeral service, so she won’t have one. She also never wanted to be confined to the ground and always wanted to be cremated. Her favorite flower was the daisy, many of which will be seen around her memorial service. When you see one, think of her. She will have a memorial service on Thursday, May 31 from 6:00-8:00 that will be open to family, friends, and anyone who would like to remember her. Memorial contributions can be made to Simplicity Lowcountry Cremation and Burial Services: 281 Treeland Drive, Suite C, Ladson SC 29456. Simplicity is also handling arrangements.