Fern Dale (Estes) Moore, of Houston, Texas, went to be with our Heavenly Father on August 29, 2022, at 86 years of age. She passed away while residing at The Forum at Memorial Woods.

A graveside service will be held at Garden of Memories Cemetery in Elkhart, Texas, on Saturday, September 10, 2022, at 2:30pm. Per Fern's wishes, Reverend Paul Clines will lead the service. Prior to the graveside service, a visitation will take place at the Herrington Land of Memory Funeral Home in Palestine, Texas, from 12:00pm to 2:00pm.

Friends and family may gather for a Celebration of Life Service on Friday, September 16, 2022, at 2:00pm, in Houston, Texas, at Fern's home church, First Methodist Houston, West Campus, with a reception following.

Fern was born in Elkhart, Texas, to Johnny Parks Estes and Luna Elda (Curry) Estes on May 8, 1936, just in time for Mother's Day. She attended Elkhart High School and Henderson County Junior College where she was a majorette and drum major. She continued her education at Sam Houston State University and the University of Houston, in which she would later cross paths with her future husband, Alton Downs Moore. If you asked him about what made them an official couple, he would have told you they were friends arranged by other friends to go to a dance together. The way she remembered it was a bit differently in that she said her date was not with him but with the other friend. He replied, "But Fern, I thought you were my girl?" and that made it official. This was a perfect example of how she looked at life and how she always had a vivid story to tell, whether it might not have been exactly what happened. It is how she remembered it and was sticking to it. Alton and Fern were married on December 3, 1961, at the First Methodist Church in Elkhart, Texas. Shortly after, they moved to Houston and eventually built what would become their forever home in the Sharpstown area.

Fern and Alton were opposites, but it is true when they say opposites attract. He worked and provided for the family, while she took care of her sons and made sure they were involved in their school and church community. She truly was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother who dearly loved her family. For those who knew her, knew she was a vibrant and feisty lady. She was not afraid to strike up a conversation or poke fun at you with some of her most corny jokes. She taught those around her to love and lead like Jesus but also to not take life too seriously.

She devoted most of her life to being a strong servant of The Lord. She accomplished this by volunteering her time and skills throughout the years. You could find her at many places within the community, such as serving as president of various Houston ISD Parent Teacher Organizations and president of the Houston Aggie Moms (a Texas A&M Mother's Club). She was also a member of First Methodist Houston Church, Order of the Eastern Star, and many other organizations within the community. Fern never met a stranger, which showed through her enjoyment of meeting and greeting people for many years as a hostess for Grandy's. Included in her hobbies, was her love for singing in the church choir and leading Sunday School classes.

Fern lived the greatest commandments each day: "...love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind." and "...love your neighbor as yourself." [Matthew 22:37-39]

She was preceded in death by her husband of 52 years: Alton Moore, father: Johnny Estes, mother: Luna (Curry) Estes, sister: Billie (Estes) Acock, and brother: Howard Estes. She is survived by her sons Stephen Moore and wife, Cinthia (Aguilar) Moore, Blake Moore and wife, Kathy (Voncannon) Moore, as well as her five grandchildren: Ryley Moore, Breana (Moore) Badger, and husband Davis Badger, Carson Moore, Landon Moore, and Harrison Moore, all of Houston, Texas. She is also survived by her brothers: Dwight Estes and John Estes of Palestine, Texas, and many other extended family members. In lieu of flowers, Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer's Association (www.alz.org) or First Methodist Houston Church (www.fmhouston.com).

View online at www.herringtonfuneral.com