Ms. Willie Ruth Moore

Ms. Willie Ruth Moore of Warner Robins, Georgia, formerly of Americus, Georgia, died Sunday, February 1, 2026, at her residence.

The funeral service will be held on Friday, February 6, 2026, at 10:00 AM in the chapel of the J. W. Williams Funeral Home in Cordele, Georgia.  The burial will follow at the Eastview Cemetery in Americus, Georgia.

Everyone entering the funeral home for visitations or services is required to wear a mask and maintain social distancing.  A mask must be worn throughout the stay.  You must supply your mask. 

Welcome to A BEAUTIFUL LIFE, the celebration of a quilt maker, family-nominated chef, nurturer, and dear sweet mom, Willie Ruth Moore.

Calling her outgoing would not be descriptive enough. She was the definition of sociable, finding it easy to connect with most friendly people. Mom had the type of face that quickly said, “Hello and Good-bye,” according to the vibes she received. She smiled more than not.

Our mom was born on the 7th of January, in 1951, to Johnny Willie Cannon and Ophelia Hawkins of Americus, Georgia. Although both parents preceded her in rest, she shared vivid memories of them during family bonding time.

As a child, mom’s grandmother and great grandmother sent her to school, and helped her learn things that she used to teach us- about life. However, it was her hard work and hands-on experiences, coupled with Godly wisdom that   educated her most as she developed in Sumter County.

At the early age of 16, our mother saw change as an opportunity for growth when she left home and transitioned to adulthood under the guidance of her mother’s sister, who is also at rest.

Mom trusted the process of life as she met Jerry Moore Jr, whom she married and parented six amazing children with- even into adulthood. According to her, they grew up together, and dad respected mom as a lifelong friend. Although they were no longer married, he said, “If I had known life would be this great, we would have had more children.” Mom laughed and replied, “Not using my body.” Not only were they friends in life, after both were baptized, they became family in Christ. Dad continued to enjoy holiday dinners at mom’s house -until he laid to rest.

Mom loved cooking, dancing, and sewing. She shared this love with her six   children who reside between Georgia and Florida. Jerry Moore III (and Amy), Vera Sampler (and Sam), Beverly Jones (and James), Stacey Moore (and Tamekia), Stephanie Major (and Robert), Ebony Calloway (and Joe), remain to hold her laugh and lessons deep in their hearts.

Also remaining is her sewing machine buddy, baby sister and best friend Carolyn Walton of Georgia. Carolyn and her children were the other apples of mom’s eye. She affectionately recognized each of them by their childhood nicknames. Mom loved them, and verbally encouraged them as her own.

If you knew our mother, you know how she enjoyed having a home telephone. Although her children gave her a cellphone to keep up with her, she often left it on her sofa. Mom welcomed telephone friends, especially her sister-in-law,  Lucille Moore who inquired about her just as often as Carolyn did. 

This celebration of life is not limited to one particular day. Near her middle age, mom proudly welcomed twelve grandchildren who will carry her legacy for generations to come. So, Karen Moore, Crystal Moore, Antonio Moore, Victoria Carter, Robyn Martin, Amber Moore, Taniera Major, Amelia Moore, Jason Moore, Meya Major, Stacey Moore Jr, and Kaitlyn Moore, you are guardians of mom’s legacy of love. That is not all! She later welcomed five great-grands: Caleb Moore, Ke’miah Ingram, Adonis Ingram, Ashton Moore, and Kadobe  Martin III with more great grands that will learn of her in the future.

Mom was a very consistent teacher and fantastic friend. Near her final rest, she taught us through silence as she smiled, showed gratitude, embraced her youngest great-grandbaby, and waited for her day of transition. All of our life, we gave mom gifts and made her rich with genuine love. For decades, Rosa has made good on her promise to mom as she proclaimed, “I love you and I am going to call you for the rest of my life.” 

To her aunt, cousins, friends, nieces, nephews, adopted family, and church members, we know you can add words to make this day last longer, but that would make this story a chapter book. We appreciate your presence, and the positive things that you did to help create lasting memories throughout our mother’s life.  Let us allow this version to be the closing chapter of A Beautiful Life.