of Osceola, TN
October 4, 2013
Martha Ann Moore, 84 of Osceola AR, passed away Friday October 4, 2013 in Memphis TN. She was born to the late D. M. and Susan (Murr) Moore in Osceola AR. Martha was preceded in death by her parents; and two brothers Mitchell D. Moore, and Phillip Moore.
Survivors are a sister Betty Pharo of Blytheville, and seven nieces and nephews; Carolyn (Richard) Imboden of Cherry Valley, Eddie J (Joyce) Pharo Jr. of Blytheville, Janet K Moore of Hot Springs, Susan (Robert) Dryer of Blytheville, Bren May of Maumelle, Jann Pharo of North Little Rock, and Mitch (Jennifer) Moore of Maryville TN.
A graduate of Osceola High School, she received her undergraduate degree from the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville and her master's degree from Arkansas State University. In 1974, Martha was named Arkansas Teacher of the Year. She taught in the Osceola School system for many years and was the director of the Osceola office of Mississippi County Community College, now Arkansas Northeastern College. Martha Ann was a lifelong educator who impacted thousands of lives in Mississippi County. She was a great encourager and teacher of the English language. Her dry wit and delightful sense of irony managed to rub off on her nieces and nephews along the way.
Martha was a dedicated member of First Baptist Church of Osceola, a long time Sunday school teacher, and choir member. Her church and many charities were the beneficiaries of her generosity. Throughout her life, she exhibited an interest in the world around her, particularly politics.
Pallbearers will be Arvis Brothers, Charles Dryer, Dave Pharo, Ed Allred, Mitch Moore and Voy Gillentine. Serving as honorary pallbearers are Bo Fairley, Bob Dryer, Eddie Pharo, Jason May, and Tommy Meadows.
Dear Moore Family-I just now learned of Martha Ann's passing. I remember so many good times at the house with Martha and your grandparents. They were all such special and loving people. Martha was not only a great teacher but a good friend as well. It has been several years since I spoke to her, but as usual she was always encouraging and pushing you to do more.She was one of a kind and I was honored to have known her so well. My love and prayers are with you all.
Miss Moore was an incredible teacher. Each time I had the honor to be in her classroom, she inspired me. I had many teachers in college, but none of them came close to her. She encouraged me to always do my best and for 27 years, I have tried to inspire my students in the same way. I became a teacher because of Miss Moore. She will live in my heart forever.
she was a sweetheart to everyone... she had a real passion for Christ.. I met her when i was only 4 or 5 years old when we was at the Old FBC building and i remember the 1st thing she said... "why hello there young one are you lost" ... my response.. "no mam my brother brought me here so i can get to know jesus".... she had done so much stuff in the education field and so much more in First Baptist Church in Osceola and she will be missed dearly ... but we do know that she is in the hands of God and she is part of heavens choir now... my prayers goes out to her family and friends
A great teacher and a beautiful person. She taught life lessons that are with us even today.
Thank you Ms. Moore.
I was privileged to be taught English by Miss Moore and wish every student could have a teacher just like her. I did learn so much more from her. Her example to me, as a family friend, did not just occur in the classroom but over many years. She will be missed by many. My thoughts are with her nieces and nephews, who took such good care of her, and to those in Osceola who have known her as a life long friend.
To all the family who has lost such a wonderful member. I never had Mrs. Martha in school as a teacher only as a friend. However that was enough because she was very dear to everyone that had the pleasure of knowing her. She was a very special person to all who knew her. Rest in peace Mrs. Martha.
I will always remember having Ms. Moore as one of my teachers my senior year. She was so dedicated to her professional. She was one of the greatest teachers I had.
Martha was such a shining star at Elmcroft. I always looked forward to.seeing her. She left a piece of her in my heart. I'm truly grateful for the time we shared.
Having "Miss Moore" as a teacher, friend and mentor has been a great blessing. I loved her keen sense of humor and her loving encouragement. She was a master teacher. What a legacy she left! It has been wonderful to hear how her nieces and nephews took such good care of her in these difficult last weeks. What a great example of honoring a loved one.
Ms Martha Ann was truly an amazing woman. She had an impact on so many lives. She led by example of what a great teacher should be. Thoughts and prayers are sent to ALL who loved her.
I will always remember her as my favorite teacher. We used to skip Study Hall and go riding thru Osceola, and she would ask us to bring her back some chocolate candy. She taught me in Elementary and High School. Always wanted me to be a writer, but I didn't listen. She impacted many lives, and I think of her often. So sorry for all the family, but I'm sure they enjoyed many years with her. God Bless.
She was a wonderful woman and a great teacher that will be missed by many.
I will never forget Miss Martha Ann Moore. She read Charlottes Web to our class in the 4th grade. Each day we would all wait in excitement for the time to come for her to read the next chapter. She brought the characters to life as she read to us. I was also fortunate to have her as an English teacher two times in High School. I learned a lot from this special lady. She was gracious, loving and kind.
Linda Lucius Dolman
My father, Larry Katz, and I are heartbroken with the loss of Martha Ann. Her wry smile and keen wit made her a joy to her fellow Elmcroft residents, including Larry, and somewhat of a playful thorn to Elmcroft staff. I will certainly miss coming home and getting to visit with her. May God rest her soul.
The best teacher I ever had. One of the finest human being I have ever known. She will be missed. My deepest sympathies go out to all of her family and all those who were fortunate to have had her as a teacher.
Miss Moore was the shining light of our day at Osceola High School. She made English come alive for us and almost 50 years after her class, I can still recite the lines from MacBeth she had us learn. The world has lost a great teacher and a wonderful lady.
I first met Ms. Moore when I was just 7 years old when she taught my sister in High school. My father own the Mobil station on the corner of Walnut and Sims where she and her brother Mitchell were customers. In the early 80's she became my teacher at MCCC. She was my teacher and my friend. I will always miss her.
Martha Ann was such an incredible teacher, role model, and friend. She made everyone around her feel special. Her legacy lives on in all of us who were fortunate enough to have known her!
I was very fortunate to have had "Miss Moore" as a teacher in high school. She was, without a doubt, my most favorite teacher and one that left a life-long impression on me. She encouraged all of us to think for ourselves. As my senior year was ending, I'll always remember her words of advice - don't believe everything you hear from your professors in college. Search out the facts and truth for yourself. That advice has served me well my entire life. This remarkable lady was one of a kind and I will never forget her. Prayers of comfort for her family. Until we meet again, precious teacher, may God's light always shine upon you.
Ms. Moore made everyone feel special. She was the absolute light of my OHS years. We were all fortunate to have her as a presence.
Ms. Moore was a beautiful human being and a wonderful teacher. Her sharp mind and keen wit kept me paying attention (and not many could do that) and always wanting to please her when writing a paper. Her open mind and accepting spirit will truly be missed.
Those wonderful OHS days were always brighter when Martha Ann was around. She could make you feel 10 feet tall or mere inches with just one glance!! But always with love and encouragment. She invested so much in each of us in those years. What an honor to have been one of kids.. We will all miss her and charish her memory and pray for her beloved family.
My favorite Teacher in high school and one that always tried to get the best from her students. A very caring and special person that I will miss dearly.
How fortunate we were in Osceola to have had Martha Ann as our teacher/mentor! She cared for each of us equally, wanting everyone to excel! Blessings on her and her family.
Our thoughts and prayers are with your beautiful family. We all loved you and yours, We all were blessed to count you and your family among our close friends throughout the years.
The Winford and Charline Watson family
A beautiful loving woman, whose memory i hold dear and treasure with love and affection. L.
Dear Mrs. Pharo & family, so sorry to hear about your dear sister, Martha, but rejoicing that she is with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. I (Debrah) met her at a business in Blytheville some four years ago. She was such a sweet and gracious lady. Our prayers are with you and the rest of the family. May God give you His comfort and His peace that passes understanding. Debrah & Sonny Donner
"Miss Moore" was a favorite teacher of mine. I admired her greatly...she was a tremendous encourager to me as a shy teenager. She helped me get my first job [at Mitchell Moore's law firm!] and believed in my ability to do the work. I thought of her often and fondly over the years and know that she made a great impact in many, many Osceola students' lives. I send my condolences to her family.
Heaven received a very special angel when this fine lady arrived. Ms. Moore was a wonderful role model and educator. She taught my three brothers before me, and bless her heart she never forgot any of us even though she would call me "Connie" every time she saw me. My thought and prayers are with her love ones as they adjust to life without her, but we will all see her again.
I'll always remember "Aunt" Martha's spunky personality and love of laughter. She brings many pleasant memories to my mind. I've been blessed to have known her.
Love,
Sherron Regauld