Obituaries – Their Stories Live On

Mrs. Cleola Moore transitioned to be with the Lord on Friday, May 31, 2024 after a long illness.

Cleola Mae (Boyden) Moore was born on October 30, 1929, in Glen White, WV to the late General Wilson Wood and Annie (Wood) Powell. She was the 4th of eight siblings.

Cleola graduated from Stratton High School in 1947. She continued her education and graduated from the Vocational School of Nursing. She served as a dedicated nurse nurturing and caring for others for 30 years at the Beckley Appalachian Regional Hospital.

Cleola accepted Christ as her personal Lord and Savior at the age of 12 at Shady Grove Baptist Church. Because of their God-given talent, Cleola, along with four of her sisters, known as The Wood Sisters, were blessed to use their anointed voices at various churches in the community.

Cleola, in 1948, married her beloved husband, John Robert Boyden Sr., who died in 1953. To that union, she had two sons, John (Bobby) and Ronald (Ronnie).

Cleola, in 1953, joined New Hope Baptist Church, where she was faithfully active in the church. She was a member of the #1 and #2 choir, Sunbeam Missionary Society, WV Baptist State Choir, New River District Minister’s Wives, and the WV State Minister’s Wives. She was a former 1st Lady of New Hope Church, Sunday School teacher, Bible Vacation School teacher, Correspondent Secretary for WV Baptist State Chorus, New Hope Choir treasurer, and former President of New Era District Youth Convention.

Cleola, in 1972, married Rev. O. T. Moore Sr., who died in 1999.

Cleola was a devout Christian whose greatest love and joy in life was her church, her family, and her nursing career. She enjoyed singing in the church choirs, teaching Sunday School classes, spending time with her family and friends, and serving as a nurse at BARH.

Cleola was a loving and wonderful wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend. She welcomed everyone in her life. No one was a stranger to her.

Cleola was known as “Mother Moore” by so many. Her conviction, faith, and advice resonated throughout so many people’s heart and soul. She loved people and loved helping them in the beat way she could.

Cleola, in addition to her parents, was preceded in death by both husbands, John R. Boyden Sr. and Rev. Oscar T. Moore; brother, Rev. A. W. Wood; five sisters, Sophia Jeffries, Lucy Powell, Rosa Wright-Clemmons, Annie Terry, and Beatrice Baker; great-granddaughter, Roxy Murray; and stepson, Rev. O. T. Moore, Jr.

Cleola, as she journeyed home to celebrate her victory, leaves behind to cherish her memory a sister, Oveida Smith of FL; two sons, John R. (Pamela) Boyden Jr., and Ronald L. (Clarice) Boyden, both of Beckley, WV; three stepdaughters, Loretta Coleman of IL, Synester “Sandy” Scott of MD, and Evangelist Patricia Saunders of MD; seven grandchildren, James Lamont (Tanielle) Brown from NC, Phillip John (Staci) Spurlock I of Fairdale, WV; Farrah Rhonica (RJ) Murray of TX; Falon Chanel Boyden of Charleston, WV; John Robert Boyden III and Terra Nicole (Jheramie) Hopkins, both of Beckley, WV and Justin Ryan (Katie) Boyden of GA; seven step-grandchildren, Larry (LaRosa) Bradley of CA, Donna Coleman, Diane Johnson, Debra Coleman, Denise (Aaron) Campbell,
Denita Coleman, all of IL, and Marisha Stewart of MD; sister-in-law, Stella Meggison of GA; brother-in-law, Mose Terry of IL and a host of great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts and friends.

The family wishes to give Special Thanks to her caregivers, Kathy Hairston and Natalie Todd.

Funeral service will be 12:00PM Monday, June 10, 2024 at Heart of God Ministries 1703 S. Kanawha St. Beckley with Dr. Jesse Wood officiating. Burial will follow in Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens, Prosperity.

Friends, while wearing masks and observing social distancing, may visit with the family one-hour prior.

Email condolences to ritchiejohnsonfuneralparlor@gmail.com.

Arrangements entrusted to Ritchie & Johnson Funeral Parlor, Beckley.