Willodean "Dean" Moore

Willodean “Dean” Bass Moore, passed away on Monday, August 31 and is now home with the Lord whom she has always known.  Mrs. Moore was a resident of Ft. Oglethorpe, Georgia for over 60 years.  She was born and grew up in Chattanooga, TN attending Avondale Baptist Church where she was baptized at a young age. Attended Avondale Elementary, Hardy Junior High School and a graduate of Central High School. She and her husband, John C. Moore moved to Ft. Oglethorpe in 1955 and joined First Baptist Church where she became director of Childrens’ Sunday School and taught third graders until five years ago when she retired.  She taught children, their children and grandchildren.  One of the favorite lessons so many have mentioned is the Resurrection that followed each of the seven days of Jesus’ life.  She could tell the stories and you felt you were walking along as part of the trials and travels.  Another story mentioned, she would illustrate the story of the Dogwood Tree describing the meaning of each petal as it represented the blood of Christ on the edges of the petals and the cross where Jesus died.  She illustrated to the children as they would draw together the dogwood blooms.  Some have told us they still have the pictures from their days in Sunday School.  She was also a member of Womens ‘ Missionary Union through the church and was a member for several years of The Keenagers meeting at the church once a month with friends sharing food and fellowship.

Mrs. Moore traveled many miles with Clark Bus Tours of Chattanooga and traveled to all 48 contiguous states, stating how beautiful our country was and sharing with us through her eyes.

Mrs. Moore taught for 29 years in Catoosa County school system as a paraprofessional at Fort Oglethorpe Elementary School.  Again, teaching children and their children.

Mrs. Moore is preceded in death by her husband of 40 years, Mr. John C. Moore, her parents, Mr. and Mrs. C.W. Bass, maternal grandparents Mr. and Mrs. Blake Thompson and paternal grandparents Mr. John H. Bass and Wynn and Birdie Bass McGrew.  Also, her brother Bill Blake Bass, and sisters, Mary Alice Bass Campbell and Ruth Bass Forrest.  Also, her son-in-law Blake Strickland.

Survivors include her daughters, Laneese Moore Strickland and Kathy Moore (Tom) Rainey. Grandchildren, Amanda Strickland (Joey) Costa, Garrett Rainey, Jacob Rainey, and Leanne Strickland.  Two great grandsons, Noah and Tate Costa.  Also, several nieces, nephews, and great nieces and nephews as well.

The family wishes to thank the staff members at CHI Memorial Hospital, Parkside Nursing Facility, and Nurses Michael and Karen at Hospice of Chattanooga.

Visitation with family will be held Friday, September 4, at Heritage Funeral Home, Ft. Oglethorpe from 10:00 am with services at 12:00 pm.  In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to St. Jude’s Hospital, Memphis, TN.

ALSAC/St. Jude Children's Research Hospital

501 St. Jude Place

Memphis, TN 38105

Or online at www.stjude.org

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.