On January 7, 2017 Hernando County lost an educator who devoted her life to the students she served. Over Cynthia Moore’s 40 years of service to Hernando County Schools, she taught 5th grade, was the President of the Hernando County Teacher’s Association (HCTA) for two terms, and was a member of FEA-Retired. She served one term as an elected official on the Hernando School Board. Cynthia volunteered at Brooksville Elementary School and often gave to families in need. She was also a member of the Beta Sigma Phi sorority for 42 years.
The Hernando Sun is grateful for Cynthia Moore, as she supported us enthusiastically. Ms. Moore was an early subscriber and she told many of her friends about the paper. I had the chance to meet her and speak to her over the phone. Once she had called to mention that the Post Office had delivered the paper late, but not to worry and keep up the good work. Those are the moments that are most important to a business just starting out. Her words of encouragement and appreciation will stick with us and give us fortitude when we face challenges.
Reading the words of her co-workers and students, it is apparent she touched their lives in a similar way.
Co-worker Mary LeDoux writes, “Cynthia, your heart was bigger than most people ever knew. Your love and concern for the children in H.C. was endless. Hernando County was blessed to have you as an educator, School Board Member, Volunteer, and friend…”
Co-worker Kendra Sittig writes, “You were one of a kind and every student in Hernando County who had the privilege of you touching their lives was blessed…Rest in Peace Miss Cynthia.”
“I cannot begin to Thank Cynthia enough for all she has done for our Students, Families, & Staff in Hernando County. I respected her from day one, and over the years learned to love her heart. She will always be in so many hearts with fond memories. Cynthia has taken the time to insure personal growth in me, and for that, I will be forever grateful. I love her kindness and how much she cared. Thank you for sticking up for me when I felt alone…,” wrote co-worker Mari-Celeste Sowers.
Current School Board Member Mark Johnson wrote, “You were a rock in the Educational Family in Hernando County, All will miss you across generations that you affected.”
In reference to her welcoming nature, co-worker Marcia Sigoda recalls,
“I remember Cynthia as one of the first people I met in the school system 40 years ago. I thought she was the greeting committee, and she never changed! She made sure people felt welcomed at school. She was a wonderful person and her giving and kindness to others is her legacy.”
Former student Kenny Feldhaus wrote,
“Ms. Moore was one of a kind in her ability to instill discipline but with a kind and gentle heart that was not necessarily apparent to your typical 10-12 year old elementary student. But even then I knew she cared for all her students and truly wanted them to achieve the success they were capable of and not limit themselves to only that familiar in their immediate environment of mid-70’s Brooksville.”
“She was influential to me,” he added.
Sheila Jones of Brooksville stated, “Cynthia was the light for many children throughout the county and for her colleagues and friends. Her dedication to education was an inspiration to many. She will be missed.”
Moore, who is originally from Mississippi, never had children of her own, but considered her students to be her sons and daughters.
She is predeceased by her father and mother, James and Chrystabel Moore.
She is survived by her sister, Miffy Woods, of Greenville, Mississippi; aunt, Mozelle Hobbs, 101 years of age of Greenville, Mississippi; 6 Nieces and Nephews, Heather McCluskey, Guy Lindsay, Tennie Kay Simpson, Angie Watts, Marion Woods, and Davie Woods.
Cynthia Moore, 74, was laid to rest at Brooksville Cemetery.