Moriah Jade McMurtry

 

Moriah Jade was born on July 23, 1991 in Nashville, TN.  The baby of Tony McMurtry and Pam Potter McMurtry.

 

As an infant, Moriah walked earlier than average age, talked earlier than average age and throughout her life continued striving for her independence.  She was strong willed and spunky with a mind of her own and a fierce love of life.

 

Moriah graduated from Beech High School.  Her first year of college was spent at Western KY University but she quickly discovered that was not for her.  She transferred next to UT Knoxville and found her home and her community.

 

Moriah was a balance of femininity and a tom boy.  She loved new clothes and makeup, could be found fishing in a sequined camisole or at a gun range dressed all in camouflage.

 

She loved the mountains and the beach, she loved outdoor adventures, quiet evenings by a bonfire and a night out on the town.  Her spirit was always social, and she was energized meeting and getting know new people.

 

On December 6th of 2012 Moriah was paralyzed by meningitis. It was at this moment her spirit and strength began to shine brighter.  Through all the hospitals, treatments, life adjustments and physical suffering, she never lost her faith in God or her will to live.  She was and will continue to be an inspiration to those who walked with her through that long journey.

 

In typical Moriah determination, after a period of healing, she returned to UT Knoxville with her service dog Jet and an enormous pickup truck adapted for her to drive.  She successfully completed her bachelor’s degree.  She then began working and continued to live independently in Knoxville with the help of several special and loving individuals that cared for her like family.  Moriah cultivated friendships, had romantic relationships, and achieved her much sought independence.

 

In the fall of 2019 Moriah had to move back home to Nashville because of health issues.  Her suffering increased again these past few years but she continued to fight and still had aspirations of independent living.

 

Moriah is survived by her parents, Pam Potter McMurtry and Tony McMurtry (Lori); grandparents, Faye Potter and Wayne McMurtry (Charlea); siblings, Nicholas Roy (Ansley) and Isabella Roy; uncles, Jeff Potter (Candee), Scott Potter (Daphne), Troy McMurtry (Julie); aunt, Tamra Milner (Randy); cousins, Mason Potter, Maddee Potter, Michael Perrett, and Ella Marie Potter; numerous cousins and friends; and her faithful companion and service dog, Jet.

 

A Celebration of Moriah’s Life will be held on Monday, November 6, 2023 at 1:00 P.M. from Community Church in Hendersonville with Pastor Doug Varnado officiating. Interment will follow in Forest Lawn Memorial Gardens with Mason Potter, Michael Perrett, Rick Potter, Jeff Potter, Isabella Roy, Nicholas Roy, Taylor Quinn, and Tracy McMurtry serving as active pallbearers. Honorary pallbearers will be Rick McMurtry, Scott Potter, Maddie Potter, Troy McMurtry, Kevin Woodard, and Ella Potter. Visitation with the family will be on Monday from 11:00 A.M. until time of service at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Retrieving Independence at https://retrievingindependence.kindful.com/.

 

This will be a celebration of Moriah's light. Do not feel compelled to wear black; instead choose to wear any of these favorites of Moriah's - any bright color, UT Volunteer orange, or camouflage.

 

Arrangements Entrusted to: Sumner Funeral & Cremation Lakeside, Hendersonville (615) 822-4442 www.sumnerfuneral.com