Wilma Faye Masters Moore

Wilma Faye Masters Moore, 81, went home to heaven on Sept. 9, 2025, in Searcy, Ark.

Her loving family includes her devoted husband of 58 years, Charles Edward Moore Jr.; her children, Catherine Walker (Jeff) and Melissa Pratt; her grandchildren, Avery Walker, Mia Walker, Benjamin Walker and Charles Moore IV; and her beloved dog, Ginja K. She was predeceased by her son, Charles Edward Moore III. She also leaves many siblings, in-laws, cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.

Born in a little house in Possum Grape, Ark., on Aug. 7, 1944, Faye grew up on her family's home place, a farm along the White River. Her parents, Kenneth and Genola Reed Masters, raised a whole passel of kids besides Faye, including Jerri Cook, Jean Adams, Mary Etta Russell, Oneal (Neal) Masters, Terry Masters, Jerry Don Masters and Gary Masters. Faye had many fond memories and funny stories about family adventures, from the giant catfish stuck in a log to the cold watermelons floating in the river for them to enjoy after a long day in the fields.

After earning her BA in English from Harding University with honors and her MA in English from the University of Arkansas, she married Charles, whom she had met at the U of A when she accidentally made fun of his bright red jacket draped over a bar stool, thinking it was his roommate's. His roommate asked her for a date, and she said no, but she would go out with Charles! During their long marriage, Faye would eventually move across the country following Charles' electronics engineering jobs, through which she was always supportive and willing to start over.

Faye was a born teacher. The new couple moved to Texas. where she taught English at Christian College of the Southwest until their children were born. She stayed at home to raise them and taught all three to read before kindergarten. After adding a secondary education teaching certificate from North Carolina State University and an elementary education certificate from the University of Southern Mississippi, Faye taught middle school, kindergarten and preschool in Corinth, Miss., Huntsville, Ala., and later in Little Rock, Ark. She tutored students at the Arkansas State University-Beebe Learning Center until she retired.

Faye was a dedicated Christian, wife, Mommy, Granna, teacher and friend. She loved her family and taught her children to be kind, stand up for what's right and work hard. She worked hard herself from the time she milked the cows, pumped the water and picked cotton as a child until she was sweeping the porch, washing dishes and pruning roses in her later years. She was the personal editor, advisor and encourager for her family. Throughout her life, Faye was always reading, listening, learning and teaching.

A longtime member of the Church of Christ, over the years Faye taught children's Sunday school and VBS, volunteered with the elderly and was a warm and welcoming presence in many congregations. At College Church of Christ in Searcy, she worked for years with the Caring and Sharing ministry. She served on the Domestic Missions Committee, attended Ladies' Bible study and Heart Moms and taught for World Bible School and World English Institute.

Faye made the most of her life. She loved playing with and reading to kids. She loved music, especially musicals and singing at church and with family. And if you couldn't find her in the house, she was probably outside tending the flowers and vegetables in her garden. Faye's favorite place besides home was Lake Catherine, where she gathered with family and got up early to drink coffee and hike to the waterfall. One of her favorite activities up into her eighties was walking with Charles on the wooded trails around Searcy. Faye was one of a kind. She could fix just about anything with cardboard and tape, fell asleep during action movies and was the only one who thought the salad bar was the best part of a buffet. She gave the absolute best back scratches and foot rubs. She chatted with Walmart greeters and hung around talking after church way too long. Faye could make you feel like you were the best, most delightful person she could imagine.

Faye was self-sacrificing, kind, loving, giving, intelligent and brave. She has earned her reward. Well done, thou good and faithful servant.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to a charity that is meaningful to you. In Faye's memory, the family asks that you read to a child, plant flowers or hug someone who needs it. Visitation will be at 1:15 p.m., and funeral services will be at 2 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 14, at the College Church of Christ, 712 E. Race Ave., Searcy, Ark. A private burial will follow at Oaklawn Memorial Gardens.

The family would like to express their heartfelt appreciation to the House of Three for their loving care for Faye.

Arrangements entrusted to Powell Funeral Home of Searcy.