Ms. Sharon Sue Moore, age 71, passed peacefully into the arms of her Savior on June 18, 2025, at Azalea Estates, in Monroe, Louisiana, after a lengthy illness. Born on February 20, 1954, in Monroe to Reece and Helen Joiner Moore, Sue—affectionately known as Susie to her family and “Sumo” to many friends and colleagues—lived a life marked by devotion to others and faith in Jesus Christ.

Sue graduated from West Monroe High School and went on to pursue her passion for music at the University of Louisiana at Monroe. There, she earned both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in music, laying the foundation for a lifelong dedication to education and the arts. Her love of learning and teaching found its fullest expression at West Ouachita High School, where she taught English and choir. Sue considered her greatest accomplishment to be the impact she had on her students. Under her direction, the school choir flourished, earning numerous awards and accolades. She also directed school plays such as “Cinderella” and many others, leaving a lasting legacy of excellence in performance arts.

Sue’s talents extended far beyond the classroom. A gifted musician and performer, she participated in numerous local theatre productions including “Annie Get Your Gun,” “The King and I,” and “Annie”. She served as choir director at several area churches and led music with passion and purpose. Her deep love for Jesus was evident in every note she sang and every life she touched. As a devoted member of Temple Baptist Church in Ruston, Sue sang in the church choir and participated in special programs during Christmas, Easter, and Independence Day celebrations. She cherished her Sunday School class and was actively involved in church activities.

In addition to her musical gifts, Sue had a wide array of interests. She held a master lock certificate from her early days working retail installing locks—a unique skill that reflected her hands-on spirit. She enjoyed tackling DIY home improvement projects and was an avid traveler through her involvement with the American Businesswomen’s Association (ABWA), attending state and national meetings while exploring new places along the way. To keep up with the demands of her theatrical pursuits, she took dance classes at the Linda Lavender School of Dance in Monroe.

Sue also had a sweet tooth—especially for chocolate—and a soft spot for animals. Over the years, she cared for two horses, a bobtail cat, several dogs, and most recently Miss Lily Pearl, her beloved dog.

She is lovingly remembered by her brother Jerry Moore (Pam) of Dubach, LA; sister Donna Fontenot of Houston, TX; niece Jennifer Parker (Jonathan) of Ruston, LA; nephew Jamey Moore (Christina) of Ruston, LA; niece Valerie Thompson (Josh) of Houston, TX; uncle Carroll Joiner of Calhoun, LA; great-nieces Hannah Grace Parker, Caroline Faith Parker, Natalie Joy Parker—all of Ruston—and Leah Mae Thompson and Hailey Reece Thompson of Houston; great-niece and nephews Emily Rose Moore, Dakota Reece Moore, and Timothy James Moore—all of Ruston. She also leaves behind many cousins, lifelong friends and colleagues, and countless former students whose lives were enriched by her guidance.

Sue was preceded in death by her parents Reece and Helen Joiner Moore of West Monroe and brother-in-law Byron Fontenot.

A worship service celebrating Sue’s life will be held at Temple Baptist Church Chapel, 1515 S Service Road W in Ruston, LA on June 23, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. Officiating the service will be Rev. Dale Oden and Dr. Reggie Bridges.  Interment will follow in New Chapel Hill Cemetery near West Monroe in Drew, LA under the direction of Kilpatrick Funeral Homes in Ruston, LA.

The family will receive friends from 12:00 to 1:00 p.m., prior to the service at Temple Baptist Church Chapel in Ruston.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association at https://donorservices.alz.org or to your local animal shelter—causes close to Sue’s heart.

Miss Sharon Sue “Sumo” Moore will be deeply missed but never forgotten. Her legacy lives on through music sung, lessons taught, lives touched—and above all—the love she shared so freely with others. May her memory bring comfort to all who knew her.

A heartfelt thanks to the staff and administration at Azalea Estates in Monroe, LA. You will never know how grateful we are to you all. In addition, many, many thanks to the dedicated staff at Allegiance Hospice. You’re love and dedication to your patients is a parent and all you do.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.kilpatrickfuneralhomes.com

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