Nelson Moore

Sarah Nelson Bishop Moore passed away peacefully in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida on February 19, 2026, at the age of 93. Originally from Richmond, VA, she was the oldest child of Capt. Roy E. Bishop, USN and Mrs. Julia L. Bishop. She was predeceased by her husband of 59 years, Capt. William F. Moore, USN, and by her two siblings – Bruce Bacheller and Edward Bishop. Left with beloved memories are her son Bill, Jr. (and wife Michelle), granddaughters Elisabeth and Catherine Moore, and many nieces and nephews.

Nelson’s family relocated often during her childhood, including stops in Pensacola, Norfolk, American Samoa, and Annapolis, MD. She attended Annapolis High School and spoke fondly about “growing up on the grounds of the Naval Academy.” She studied classical piano while a student at the University of Pennsylvania and Philadelphia’s Curtis Institute of Music before graduating from the College of William & Mary. The highlight of her performance career was playing Rachmaninoff’s Piano Concerto No. 1 with the Penn Symphony Orchestra. However, she was most proud of her many years as a private piano instructor and elementary school music teacher – bringing the love of piano and song to both young and old.

Nelson and Bill met on a blind date in 1962, married in 1964, and shared an extraordinary life together spanning seven decades. Bill served three tours as a naval aviator in Vietnam, and Nelson took every opportunity to join him abroad, meeting him in places such as Tokyo, Manila, and Hong Kong. After a half dozen duty stations from California to Belgium, they settled in Jacksonville, Florida - making Ponte Vedra Beach their home for more than 35 years. Nelson enjoyed playing Sawgrass team tennis and performing with the Sawgrass Singers. Many knew her as an accomplished pianist and tennis player, but she was also an exceptional chef (three years of training in Belgium and France) and water skier (having performed in the Cypress Gardens water shows in her 20s). She enjoyed supporting the Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra, Palms Presbyterian Church, and serving as organist for several places of worship along Florida’s First Coast. Above all, she treasured time with family and friends and was known for her love of entertaining and gracious hospitality.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra. A Celebration of Life will be at a future date.