05/02/2026
Donna Kay Moore was born on April 10, 1960, in Hinds County at Copeland’s Hospital in Jackson, Mississippi. She was the beloved daughter of the late, William Dudley and Pinkie Thigpen Dudley. She was the youngest of her siblings and was dearly loved from the very beginning. Her father affectionately called her “Frizzly Head,” a nickname that reflected the joy and tenderness she brought to those around her. On April 15, 2026, while listening to the comforting voice of one of her favorite gospel singers, Mahalia Jackson, Donna Kay Moore peacefully entered eternal rest at her home in Anna, Texas, with the love of her family surrounding her. In His infinite mercy and grace, God gently called her home to be with Him.
At the age of 12, Donna was baptized in a river behind her church. She was nurtured in the Christian faith at St. John Missionary Baptist Church in Jackson, Mississippi, under the preaching of the late Reverend R. L. T. Smith, a revered minister, esteemed educator, and one of Mississippi’s most dedicated civil rights activists. There, she developed a strong spiritual foundation that guided her throughout her life. As a child, one of her favorite pastimes was gazing at the night sky, reflecting her thoughtful spirit and deep appreciation for life’s beauty.
Faith remained a central part of Donna’s life. She sang in the choir at St. John Missionary Baptist Church, where she would often lead the choir in the song “I Got a Peace of Mind.” Her voice and presence were a blessing to her church family. When she was not singing in the choir, she would sit on the bench with her mother and Miss Luella Ross, happily chewing Juicy Fruit gum. It was a simple yet treasured memory, made even sweeter by the fact that her mother would always have a piece waiting just for her.
Donna Kay Moore was known for her kindness, loving nature, and unwavering devotion to family. She never met a stranger and was always there for those she loved. She carried herself with grace and compassion, leaving an impression on everyone blessed to know her.
Donna graduated from Forest Hill High School in May 1978, where she proudly took part in JROTC. It was also there that she met the love of her life, Michael L. Moore, beginning a love story that became one of the defining blessings of her life.
A bright and accomplished student, Donna graduated with honors and received a full scholarship to the prestigious HBCU, Tougaloo College, where she completed her first semester before pursuing her calling in nursing. She graduated from nursing school in 1981 and faithfully served others through her nursing career until her retirement in May 2015. She dedicated her life to helping, caring for, and loving others, and nursing was a natural extension of the selfless woman she was.
On July 27, 1978, Donna Kay Moore married the love of her life, Michael L. Moore. Through that union, she was blessed with two daughters, Devon (Tom “Tre”) Chandler III of Anna, Texas, and Malissa Moore of Hattiesburg, Mississippi.
Donna treasured spending time with her children, grandchildren, great-granddaughter, loved ones and friends. Her family was her pride and joy. She loved reading books, listening to audiobooks and music, studying history, and visiting museums. She had a deep love for learning and often expressed a desire to learn how to play the guitar, though she never had the opportunity. Even so, the lessons she passed on to her family were far greater: the value of education, the importance of wisdom, and the necessity of keeping God first in their lives.
Donna Kay Moore was preceded in death by her loving parents, William Dudley and Pinkie Thigpen- Dudley; her maternal grandmother and grandfather; Louella and Pink Thigpen, her paternal grandmother; Pearl Stackhouse- Dudley, her five aunts; Velma (Cleophus) Hayes, Lee Anna (George) Joyce, Doretha Flemings , Louvenia( Jim ) Anderson and Hattie (Harry) Wood, her four brothers, James Dudley, William Dudley Jr., Keith Dudley, and Tommy Dudley; her four sisters, Mildred Joseph, Ella Louise James, Phyllis Riley, and Sandra King; her two sisters-in-law, Pat Nicholson, and Mary Thomas; her fathers-in-law, Edward L. Moore, and Archie Sanders; and her brothers-in-law, Ronald Harris, Larry Thomas, Kenneth Riley, and Jimmie “Ricky” King.
She leaves to cherish her precious memory her loving daughters, Devon (Tom “Tre” Chandler III) of Anna, Texas, and Malissa Moore of Hattiesburg, Mississippi; her two bonus daughters, Candyce (Hulio) Griffin of Atlanta, Georgia, and April (Cliff) Williams of Jackson, MS; her five beloved grandchildren, Mackenzie Hughes (Quan Marshall), Makayla Trim, Mason Babasola, Mariah Babasola, and Masiah Babasola; and her precious great-granddaughter, Maliyah Torrence, all of Texas.
Donna also leaves to cherish her memory her former husband, Michael L. Moore; her mother-in-law, Mary Sanders; her dear friends, Gail Joiner, and Cheryl; her five sisters-in-law, Jackie (Terry)Milsap, Kathy (Dale)Sanders, and Alberta Harris; all of Hattiesburg, MS. Dorothy Dudley of Byram, MS and Deborah Reid Miller of Jackson, MS; her bonus sister-in-law, Robbie (Julius) Cater of Jackson, MS; her brothers-in-law, Ventura Moore, and Donald Harris; her first cousins, Norma Sue (Al) Smith, Gloria Jean Harper, Audrey Washington, and Maxine (Steven) Mann; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, great-nieces, great-nephews, and friends.
Though Donna Kay Moore has departed this earthly life, the love she gave, the wisdom she shared, and the faith she lived by will remain forever in the hearts of those who knew and loved her. Her life was a blessing, her memory a treasure, and her legacy is one of grace, strength, compassion, and unwavering love.
Donna Kay Moore will forever be missed and lovingly remembered.