Mrs. Lauree Agnew Moore

Lauree Moore was born on September 7, 1940, in Bennettsville, South Carolina. She was welcomed into this world by her father, Jesse Agnew, his wife, Marie, and their son, Samuel. The family moved to Columbia, South Carolina where they lived in a house near Columbia College. Her mother worked as a nutritionist at the college and her father with the state’s education system, traveling throughout the state administrating hearing tests to elementary school children. At age 12, Lauree surrendered her life to the call of mission work. She asked the Lord to send her a likeminded spouse, as she felt wouldn’t be able to go on her own. She met the love of her life at fourteen as a freshman at Eau Claire High School. Gene was a handsome, charming junior who had a fondness for chocolate chip cookies. They soon realized that they shared the same faith values and, most importantly, calling to missions. They courted throughout her high school years and into college. They got married in 1959. The 1960’s were a blur of medical school, residency, five children, and several moves. In 1970 they reached the first step in their mission minded goals when they were appointed by the International Mission Board as medical missionaries to Africa. Next was seminary followed by orientation. By January 1972 they arrived in Kenya, East Africa to attend language school. Nine months later the family of seven moved to a mission hospital in Mbeya, Tanzania. Those were the golden years for Lauree, serving as wife, mother, teacher, hostess, and sometimes surgical assistant. The adjustment of being away from family was a real struggle, especially as her children grew and went to boarding school in Kenya then on to college in the United States. Lauree and Gene served faithfully moving from Mbeya to Kigoma, then they ministered to the Somali refugees in Kenya, Somalia, and Djibouti. They left Africa for retirement in 2000. Returning to Columbia, Lauree was busy with grandchildren, children, and church. When Gene’s work schedule allowed, they were excitedly building their dream home in Saluda, South Carolina. They moved to the log cabin in 2005. They spent their retirement managing and making improvements to their land and traveling from time to time. Lauree faithfully and lovingly cared for Gene for the rest of his life as he battled health issues including dementia. In August 2021 Gene went to be with the Lord. Lauree continued to live in her dream house, sewing, gardening, and tending to the property. Lauree attended Sardis Baptist Church, where she found great comfort in her friendships there. She always looked forward to visits from her children, grandchildren and especially her great-grandchildren. Lauree moved into her heavenly mansion on March 5, 2024. She is survived by her five children: Marie Johnson (Allen), Roland Moore (Karen), Robin Woodhams (Mark), Becka Brazell (Chris), Gena Moore, seventeen grandchildren and twenty-seven great grandchildren. The graveside service for Mrs. Moore was held at 3 o’clock, Sunday, March 10th at Elmwood Cemetery. Shives Funeral Home, Trenholm Road Chapel, is assisting the family.

Tributes

Mrs. Lauree Agnew Moore

September 7, 1940 - March 5, 2024