Claytee Moore

Portsmouth-Claytee Gilliam Moore was born on June 26, 1927 to Lewis and Claudia Gilliam in Windsor, North Carolina. “Tee” as she was affectionately called completed her elementary education at Eason Grove and graduated from C.G. White High School in Powellsville, North Carolina in 1943. Afterwards, she spent two years at Shaw University majoring in Home Economics. “Tee” had a strong passion for art and creativity. In 1957, she moved to Chicago, Illinois and lived with her sister, Fletcher Hopson. There she attended the renowned Art Institute of Chicago graduating in 1964. Shortly after her graduation, she married James William Moore and had a son Ronald James Moore. She enjoyed all children and after spending the early years with her son, she went to teach art and elementary education in the Chicago Public School System. She brought her creativity to the classroom and often found unique and innovative ways to capture a young child’s mind and inspire them to learn. “Tee” also loved gardening and planting roses, flowers, fruits and vegetables. During the spring and summer, one could often find her with her hat on in the backyard tending to her assortment of grapevines, squash, tomatoes, and rose bushes. Her nurturing spirit was found in everyone and everything she touched. She developed dementia and Alzheimer’s disease early in life. In 1993, she moved from Chicago to Portsmouth, VA. Once there, her devoted sister, Eather Jenkins, unselfishly sacrificed and cared for her for thirteen years. Eather, along with her children (Alvin, Jeanette, Joe, and Carlton) and their families, numerous aides, Dr. Kevin Wilson, the nursing staff at Bons Secours Hospital and Nursing Care, roommate Mattie Sharpe, took care of her every need for nearly sixteen years. Words will never be able to express the kindness, care, and compassion that was shown and the gratefulness of “Tee’s” son and immediate family for the special care and attention. She passed away on February 2, 2009 at Bons Secours Maryview Nursing Care Center in Suffolk, VA. She joins her husband James Moore, sister Arnez Riddick, and half brother, Robert Gilliam, in heaven and leaves cherished memories with all of her family and friends. “Tee” is survived by her sisters Eather Jenkins and Fletcher Bazemore of Portsouth, VA, her son Ronald “Ronnie” of Silver Spring, MD, her daughter-in-law Lisa and her grandchildren Gianna, Joelle, and Dylan and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Claytee Moore

June 26, 1927 - February 2, 2009