Nine letters, “Yankee Iron Horse.” As an avid crossword puzzler, Glenna Moore knew the answer—Lou Gehrig. When Glenna penciled in the name ‘Lou Gehrig’ on countless crossword puzzles, little did she know they would one day share something life-altering in common.
On July 27, 2007, Glenna Keith Coffey Moore, age 70, passed away after living the past two years with ALS, more commonly known as Lou Gehrig’s disease.
Wife, mother, grandmother, teacher and friend to all, Glenna will be remembered for her radiant smile, contagious laughter, and always-caring heart.
Glenna’s life began on November 22, 1936 in Big Spring, TX as the daughter of John Askew Coffey and Margaretta Sanders Coffey. The Coffeys were schoolteachers and instilled the teacher traits of patience and grace with their daughter. Glenna graduated from Baylor University in 1959 with a B.A. (Education) degree where she served as President of the Kappa Alpha Theta sorority.
After college, Glenna moved to Dallas, TX and followed in her parent’s footsteps as a fourth-grade teacher at George W. Truett Elementary School from 1959 to 1962.
On a blind date in the fall of 1961 she met William Alvin Moore, Jr. (Al). It was a classic case of opposites attract. Being outgoing and talkative, Glenna never envisioned herself finding Al, the much more introverted of the two, attractive—but she did. And in the summer of ’62, they married.
By the spring of 1963, Glenna and Al were living in Fort Worth, TX when they welcomed the birth of their first daughter, Melana Love Moore (Lana). A second child, this time a boy, followed soon thereafter—William Alvin Moore, III (Trip). And in 1970, girl/boy twins arrived—Margaret Elizabeth Moore (Marty) and John Hardin Moore (John).
The Moore Family settled into their North Dallas home on Tophill Circle where Glenna took care of the kids and Al took care of his young, growing business.
Glenna led a very active life during this time. Besides the full-time job of being a mother, Glenna found time to volunteer for Meals on Wheels, participate in numerous Parent Teacher Associations, and be an active member of Spring Valley Methodist Church and later, Prestonwood Baptist Church and Park Cities Baptist Church.
For thirty-plus years, Glenna enjoyed the camaraderie and competition from playing tennis at T Bar M Tennis Club. She played on numerous teams with the Tennis Competitors of Dallas, the Women’s Tennis Association, and as a mixed-doubles partner with Al. Some of Glenna’s fondest times were spent on and off-the-court with her tennis friends.
Because of her personable, dependable, and likeable ways, Glenna developed friendships easily. Some of her most enduring friendships were formed within her long-running neighborhood bridge club and more recently, her dominoes group.
She was fortunate to remain close to her brother, Robert Thomas Coffey, M.D. of Fort Worth, TX.
Glenna was also fortunate to enjoy the endearing friendship of Trip’s wife, Jacqueline Blair Moore, and their two children—Blair Christian Moore and Hannah Love Moore. Glenna absolutely adored her two grandchildren who affectionately called her ‘GiGi.’
But Glenna’s most enduring and endearing friendship was with her husband of 45-years. By the time their kids had grown and moved away, Al and Glenna became the dating couple they used to be and set forth to live and love till eternity. As a couple, they traveled the world enjoying the adventures of barging down the canals of France, cruising through the Straits of Magellan, and ballooning over Switzerland.
Unfortunately, the creeping paralysis of the ALS disease put a stop to their worldly travels.
As the disease progressed, Glenna’s body became weaker but her bond with Al became stronger. Their unfailing love was on display every day as Al took care of his ailing wife until her passing.
And now, Glenna patiently waits for Al to join her in their most adventurous travels yet—the glorious eternity of Heaven.
The Moore Family welcomed friends on Monday, July 30 at Sparkman-Hillcrest Funeral Home. Funeral services were held on Tuesday, July 31 at Park Cities Baptist Church.
Memorials can be made in Glenna’s name to:
12750 Merit Drive, Suite #1220
Dallas, TX 75251
Glenna will always be my Grace Kelly. Our loves to all the Moore Family. Such grace, charm, and dignity. Stevie Lester
Posted by: stevie lester | July 27, 2007 at 03:36 PM
Glenna....a gift, a blessing, a friend. So much love!
Posted by: Tricia Gray | July 27, 2007 at 06:06 PM
Goodbye, my lovely, laughing friend. Judy Reagan
Posted by: Judith Reagan | July 28, 2007 at 10:38 AM
What a beautiful tribute! My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family, John. Love and light to all of you.
Jodee
Posted by: Jodee Bock | July 28, 2007 at 02:47 PM
It is obvious that Glenna touched the lives of the many people she met. It is a wonderful tribute to her legacy that she touched the lives of people she never met, and that through her inspiring character, will continue to touch lives for years to come. I regret not meeting Glenna, but am grateful for knowing her. Thank you MM, for sharing your mom's life with me for the past year. She has certainly left her soul-print on my heart.
Posted by: Ladybug | July 28, 2007 at 03:39 PM
Glenna's bright smiling face will be forever engraved upon the walls of TBarM. We love you and will miss you terribly. Our thoughts are with Al, Trip, Jackie and the rest of the family. Glen & Sara Agritelley
Posted by: Glen & Sara Agritelley | July 29, 2007 at 10:10 AM
You only had to meet Glenna once to know what a wonderful and special person she was. My opportunity was last year in Napa Valley. Even though she was confined to a wheel chair, the kindness and enthusiasm the brought into a room was evident everywhere we went. With Al by her side, the couple made a good week into a great week. She will be missed by everyone who had the honor of knowing her.
Posted by: Len Masek | July 30, 2007 at 11:36 AM
I had the privilege of meeting Glenna and Al about 2 years ago. They were so wonderful to me, and made me feel so welcome at their home. The Moore family truly is a living testament to Glenna -- her dignity, her grace, her courage and fortitude. It's been such a blessing to be touched by her life.
Posted by: DiAnna Gaeta | July 30, 2007 at 01:40 PM
Sorry we won't be there to pay tribute to Glenn's well-lived life. I have 25 years of special memories of Glenna as a friend, a team member and tennis partner, and a competant and dependable co-worker as we shared various chores at T Bar M. She played better tennis, but I was faster so when a ball required an extra sprint, I would hear, "Run, Jan! You can get it!" and with this encouragement, I frequently did. I still hear her in these situations.
As devastated as we were to learn Glenna had ALS, it was inspiring to share time with her as she displayed courage, dignity, humor, and love; as well as tears.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Posted by: Jan Gruver | July 31, 2007 at 12:07 PM
I was sad that I was unable to make it to Glenna's memorial. I know she meant such a great deal to so many people, whose lives she touched through the years by her kindness and that radiant smile. Glenna was a college roommate and good friend of my mother...I know Glenna will be missed.
Please know that I am praying for the entire Moore family as they mourn the loss, but celebrate the grand life of Glenna.
Posted by: Elizabeth Franklin Simmons | August 01, 2007 at 05:58 PM