Mother Ruthie Lee Moore

Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies. The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil. She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life. Proverbs 31: 10 - 12 KJV

Mother Ruthie Lee McNair-Moore, daughter of the late Lacy Thompson and Ressie Wallace, was born on January 31, 1932. In the evening of December 3, 2025, at 5:00 PM she was called home to heaven at McLeod Regional Center of Florence, South Carolina.

At an early age, Ruthie became a member of Providence AME Zion Church in Rowland, North Carolina, where she remained a dedicated and faithful participant. She actively supported numerous fundraisers and served as captain for several annual Women Day Events. Additionally, she often attended services at Faith Chapel Bible Church of God to support her daughter, Elder Virginia Lee and son-in-law Bishop Harry Lee, Sr.

Ruthie spent many of her years in Elrod, North Carolina, where she became well known for her cooking, especially her famous raisin cakes. Her vibrant personality shone through her singing and laughter; she cherished her time with family and friends. Known for her playful nature, she often hid Baby Ruth bars from her grandchildren and enjoyed a refreshing Coca-Cola. At family gatherings she made it a point to ensure her grandchildren had food to eat, sometimes before the adults, and she delighted in preparing "fruit-bags" filled with candies and nuts for each of them at Christmas.

Ruthie celebrated life to the fullest, relishing visits with family, including distant relatives, shopping excursions, and dining at various restaurants. After working at the tobacco factory for many years, and working as a hospitality specialist at South of the Border in Hamer, South Carolina she would save her earnings to purchase stylish ensembles, proudly showcasing her outfits to those around her. Her warmth and friendliness meant she never met a stranger, and her love for people was reciprocated in abundance. She generously shared her wisdom with anyone willing to listen, embodying a joyful spirit and a zest for life.

She was preceded in death by her two daughters, Joyce Ann Moore and Elder Virginia Ruth Lee and sons-in-law Bishop Harry Lee, and Willie Leggett; three sisters, Lee Esther Brown, Johnny L. Brown, Elder Helen Strickland (Maxie Ray Strickland, Sr) and Dorothy W. Brown, and her brother, Alphonzo (Al) Thompson.

Ruthie leaves behind cherished memories with her daughter, Alice Leggett, and son Jeffie Moore both of Rowland, North Carolina. She is also survived by two sisters, Sally Ann Wallace and Clara Wallace-Douglas (Charles Douglas) of New York, New York; also she leaves a host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great- grandchildren, nieces, nephews, many other family members and friends.