Jesse Walton Moore

1934 - 2026

Chaplain Jesse Walton Moore passed away January 9, 2026, at Ochsner Rush Medical Center in Meridian, Mississippi, at the age of 91. Jesse had a long, impactful career as a United Methodist chaplain. Jesse was born on October 22, 1934, in the Calyx Community near Shuqualak, Mississippi, to Walton and Vera Knight Moore. Jesse graduated from Millsaps College and from Candler School of Theology at Emory University. He also completed his M.A. in Psychology and Counseling at Northern Colorado University. In 1959, Chaplain Moore was ordained as clergy in The United Methodist Church. He spent twenty-five years in the U.S. Army. He served during the Vietnam War and as First Brigade Chaplain of the First Air Cavalry Division. Chaplain Moore received the Bronze Star with V for "Valor" for his action during the Tet Offensive. His dedication to the Army and to others extended past his duty in Vietnam. Jesse continued his military service for twelve more years as a Chaplain in the Army. While in the military, Jesse also served in prison ministry at the Fort Leavenworth U.S. Disciplinary Barracks and at the Federal Correctional Complex while he was stationed at Terre Haute, Indiana. During his last five years of military service, Jesse served as a Chaplain at Walter Reed Medical Center in Washington, D.C. After retiring from the Army as a Full Colonel in 1982, Jesse served as the Director of Pastoral Ministry at Methodist Hospital in Memphis. During his 23 years at Methodist Hospital, he helped countless patients, families, and medical professionals. In addition to counseling, Jesse helped patients with his expertise in holistic medicine for pain management. In addition, he launched the hospital's Employee Assistance Program, which provided much-needed counseling to hospital staff. In recognition for his work to support patients and staff, he received the Hospital Chaplain of the Year Award in 1986 from the United Methodist Association of Health and Welfare Ministries. Throughout his career, he provided guidance and numerous lectures at pastors' clinics and workshops on Spirituality and Healing in the Mississippi, Tennessee, and Arkansas United Methodist Conferences. After retiring from Methodist Health Systems in December 2004, the Mississippi Conference of The United Methodist Church recognized Jesse's lifetime of service and work with the Harry Denman Award for outstanding efforts for Christian evangelism.

After his retirement from Methodist Health Systems, he was invited to the West Cancer Clinic through the Wings Foundation, where he served as a Chaplain until his retirement in December 2010. In recognition of his lifelong work, the Methodist Healthcare Foundation presented Chaplain Moore with the Living Award-Inspiration in Faith and Health in 2012. Jesse was a lifelong learner of theology and holistic health. He helped educate and share his experiences with clergy and laypersons, both informally and through lectures and presentations.

Jesse retired to his farm outside Shuqualak.

He is survived by his wife, Martha Bennett; daughter, Suzanne Moore of Shuqualak; granddaughter, Amber Fiorito (Jared) and two great-grandchildren, Caydence and Stormy, of Hernando; brother, John Moore (Nita) of Pelahatchie; sister-in-law, Pat Moore of Jackson; and Martha's children: Bradley Bennett of Amherst, Massachusetts and Lindsay Page and granddaughter Bennett Blair Page of Hattiesburg. He is preceded in death by his son, Marc Moore, and two brothers, Billy and Jimmy Moore.

Funeral services are planned for Friday, January 16, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at the Former Shuqualak Methodist Church in Shuqualak, MS. Interment will be in the Eaves Cemetery in Calyx Community. Visitation will be held at the church from 12:30 until service time. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to UMCOR, c/o Tupelo First United Methodist Church, 412 W Main St., Tupelo, MS 38804 or Millsaps College, 1701 North State ST.,, Jackson MS 39210 or www.millsaps.edu. Cockrell Funeral Home is honored to be entrusted with arrangements.