Joanne Moore

1937 - 2026

Joanne Vaughan Moore, 88, passed away peacefully at her home on Feb. 18, 2026 of natural causes. Joanne was born on Nov. 16, 1937 in Oakland, Calif. to Joe and Emmy Vaughan. An only child, she attended Sacred Heart Elementary School, Holy Names High School and later Notre Dame de Namur University. Raised during the years of World War II, Joanne often shared cherished childhood memories, including her humorous recollection of chewing the same piece of gum for over a year - a lighthearted testament to both the times and her resilient spirit. As a young girl, Joanne took dance lessons with her father and carried that love of dance throughout her life. She would jitterbug across the living room floor, delighting her children with her energy and laughter. She was also an accomplished accordion player, performing with remarkable skill and enthusiasm. Joanne learned to sew at an early age and lovingly made all of her children's clothes when they were young. Her talent and precision earned her a lasting reputation as an expert tailor and seamstress, a craft she continued well into her 80s. She also possessed many wonderful and often hidden talents - tap dancing when she thought no one was watching, enjoying synchronized swimming and creating handmade gifts for every descendant and many others fortunate enough to know her. No task was ever too big or too small for Joanne, and if she did not know how to do something, she was determined to learn and master it.
In the mid-1950s, while volunteering at the USO, Joanne met Walter H. Moore while he was serving in the Navy and stationed at Alameda Naval Air Station. The two were married at Sacred Heart Catholic Church on July 14, 1956. They welcomed their first child, John, in Sept. 1957, followed by Leslie in Sept. 1958 and Cathy in Nov. 1959. The family first lived in Concord, Calif. before moving to Wally's hometown of Hayesville in Aug. 1967. Three years later, their youngest daughter, Emily, was born in Sept. 1970.
In the early 1970s, Joanne began working outside the home at First United Methodist Church, serving in the daycare center and eventually becoming its director. Her dedication to children and families was evident in all she did. In Aug. 1975 Joanne relocated back to Northern California with her children, where she continued her work in childcare. Her exceptional work ethic soon led her to World Savings and Loan Association, where she began as a teller and steadily rose through the ranks to become a respected branch manager and leader. Her professional success continued when she was recruited by Citibank in the late 1980s, serving as a branch manager before becoming a corporate auditor in northern California, where she was admired for her integrity, professionalism and leadership.
After retiring in the early 2000s, Joanne returned to Clay County and spent the next 25 years embracing retirement surrounded by family and friends. She was an active and devoted member of Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church, where her faith and commitment to service were central to her life. She generously volunteered at parish festivals, helped prepare meals and refreshments, assisted with religious education, and served regularly in the church office. Most importantly, Joanne lived a life deeply rooted in prayer and faith. She faithfully attended Sunday and weekday Mass, regularly participated in Eucharistic adoration and weekly Bible study, and prayed the rosary with deep devotion. Her life was a beautiful reflection of her unwavering faithfulness - to God, to her husband, to her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, and to her friends and fellow parishioners. She lived her faith every day of her life.
Above all, Joanne was an extraordinary mother, grandmother, and great- grandmother, known lovingly as nana. She taught her children self-reliance, discipline and respect for themselves and others. She was an incredibly important role model - smart, beautiful, loving, caring, strong, talented,and generous - truly the definition of selfless.
She was the daughter of the late Joseph Reuben Francis and Emmiline Brown Vaughan. She was also preceded in death by a granddaughter, Mattie Jo Woody and a son-in-law, Dennis Woody.
Surviving are four children, John Moore and wife, Lori, Leslie Woody, Cathy Standefer and husband, Mike, and Emily Martin and husband, Mike; 13 grandchildren, and 25 great-grandchildren. Her legacy of love, resilience, faith and unwavering dedication to family will live on through the generations she so dearly cherished.
A Funeral Mass in Joanne's honor will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, March 14 at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church in Hayesville.
The family kindly requests that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, c/o Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church, PO Box 546, Murphy, N.C. 28906. Place Joanne Moore on the memo line of your check.
Ivie Funeral Home, Hayesville: iviefuneralhome.com is in charge of all arrangements.