Deborah Jean "Debbie" Moore

Debra Jean Moore (June 30, 1955 – October 10, 2024) was born in Pineville, Kentucky, and lived most of her life at Dorton Branch. Debbie as most called her was proud of her Appalachian heritage. She loved social studies and wanted to inspire others by teaching. Debbie held a bachelor's degree from Cumberland College. She furthered her education by earning a master's degree and a rank 1.

Debbie taught in the Bell County Public School system for 22 years. She began her career at Blackmont and finished her years at Bell Middle School. Debbie taught social studies and was the Gifted & Talented Coordinator. She invested in her students beyond the classroom by exposing them to travel. Over the years, she took them to New York City, Williamsburg, VA, and Washington, D.C. Debbie was courageous in her teaching as she not only taught them history but also how history affects the present. Debbie was committed to inclusion and fought to include all students in the learning process. She would raise money from local businesses to ensure all students who wanted to travel could do so. She prioritized providing food and gifts to her students during the holidays. She taught about social injustice, hate crimes, and the importance of voting long before these topics became headline news.

Debbie was a Baptist by faith. She was saved and baptized while in college. She was a strong supporter of the Kentucky Education Association. She loved researching genealogy. She spent hours reading and was well-versed on many subject matters. In her latter years of retirement, Debbie enjoyed painting, coloring, crafting, and pen-palling people around the world. Her friends will tell you that Debbie was the “kindest person I ever knew”.

Debbie was preceded in death by her parents, Robert Curtis Moore and Myrtle Sumpter Moore, and a sister Kimberly Moore Roberts. She is also preceded in death by a nephew, Travis Rickett, and a niece Robin Whitman. Debbie is survived by one sister Jacqueline Moore Rickett (Charles) of Arcadia, Florida; a great niece Sydney Printer (Sean) of Rhode Island and a great nephew Noah Whitman of Arcadia, Florida.

A graveside service will be held at a later date.