Margaret Moore Obituary

Margaret Rhoton Moore

February 13, 1930 -

October 12, 2025

On October 12, 2025, Margaret Rhoton Moore, the sweetest mom ever, passed away peacefully with her daughters by her side and much gentle, loving care from the staff at The Blake Memory Care and Hospice. She was 95 years old.

Margaret truly opened her heart to finding joy in each day. She would laugh at any joke, and she never lost her sense of wonder and delight. She was great with kids of all ages – she adored babies and was like a second mom to many family friends, neighbors and relatives. She often said "To have a friend, be one" – and that's how she lived.

Born in Clinchport VA to Melvin and Amanda Rhoton on Feb 13, 1930, Margaret was the 11th of 12 children. She loved growing up in Clinchport and being part of a big family. Throughout life, Margaret stayed in close touch with her parents, siblings, nieces and nephews, and made every effort to host, attend and help with family gatherings. She was a wonderful cook and loved any time with her family.

Margaret graduated from Rye Cove High School, and then worked at JC Penney and Eastman, saving her money to attend Virginia Baptist Hospital School of Nursing in Lynchburg VA. After graduating in 1953, Margaret returned to the area to work at Holston Valley Community Hospital and be near family. She met a handsome young man (her words), the hospital pharmacist, Robert H. (Bob) Moore. They married a year later and built a happy life together in Kingsport.

Margaret loved her family, friends, babies, children, church and community. She enjoyed reading, walking, sewing, golf, bridge, knitting, cooking, visiting with friends, bread-making and Florida winters with Bob for several years.

She was a member of First Broad Street United Methodist Church where she and Bob were married in December 1954.

Margaret was preceded in death by husband, Bob Moore; four brothers, Charlie, Curtis, Cecil, Johnny; and six sisters, Ruby, Juanita, Elizabeth, Thelma, Lola, Jackie.

She is survived by daughters, Kathy M. Richards (husband Michael) and Nan M. Norton; grandchildren, Katy Wyatt (husband Ron Vales), Renee Richards (husband Alejandro Sulbaran), Adam Richards (wife Carol Ann Richards), great- grandchildren Lexi Vales, Spencer Richards, Piper Richards, as well as her younger sister Jo Clayman and many much-loved nieces and nephews.

Margaret did not want a formal memorial service, but we invite you to celebrate her life and your own life every day: enjoy the sunshine, smile at a baby or stranger, tell someone how beautiful they are.

If you would like to honor Margaret's life with a gift, please consider a donation to Second Harvest Food Bank of NE Tennessee (netfoodbank.org), Babies Need Bottoms Diaper Bank (babiesneedbottoms.org) or any other non-profit that is meaningful to you.

The care of Margaret Rhoton Moore and her family has been entrusted to the staff of Oak Hill Funeral & Cremation Services.