Mother Bessie Waiters Moore

Mother Bessie Waiters Moore was born on October 14, 1920 to Mr. Elias Waiters and Mrs. Della Anderson Waiters. She transitioned from earth to glory on Tuesday, April 18, 2023 at the Medical University of South Carolina Hospital – Northeast with family members at her side.

Mother Moore grew up in rural northeast Richland County, South Carolina and attended Silver Dune School, located close to where she lived (which she described as “in her back yard”).

From an early age, Mother Moore attended Mount Pilgrim Baptist Church in the Killian Community and later became a member there. At Mount Pilgrim, she served under six pastors and could recall the Church sanctuaries from the early clapboard structures to the brick structures of today. She was faithful in attending Sunday School, Morning Worship Service, Revival Services, Church and Ministry Anniversary Programs and other Church events. She was an active member of the Senior Adults Ministry, attending their meetings and fellowship events and traveling on their October “apple picking” trips to the mountains. Mother Moore was highly respected and deeply loved by the Mount Pilgrim Family. On Mothers’ Day, May 10, 2009, the Church Family expressed their esteem for her by bestowing upon her the title: ”Mother of the Church”. On Mother’s Day, May 12, 2019, the tenth year anniversary of her being named Mother of the Church, the Church Family again honored her with a special Mothers’ Day Tribute. At Mount Pilgrim, Mother Moore was faithful in her stewardship, faithful in her spirit and faithful to read a wonderful poem whenever she was afforded the opportunity. She exemplified to the Mount Pilgrim Family, her family and the community the fruit of the Spirit as expressed in Galatians 5:22-23: “Love, joy, peace, long suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance.”

Mother Moore was predeceased by her husband, Mr. Melvin Moore; a daughter, Mrs. Barbara Ann Laudman, a son-in-law, John M. Anderson and great-grandson, Diondre Fisher.

The beautiful memories she leaves will be forever cherished by her daughters,  Muriel E. Anderson and  Carolyn Denise Moore of Columbia, South Carolina; grandchildren:  Cheryl V. Anderson of Kannapolis, North Carolina, Broderick M. (Yolanda) Anderson, Sr. of Columbia, South Carolina,   Aaron L. (Taneisha) Laudman of Brandywine, Maryland,  Michael Laudman of Albany, Georgia and Sharon V. Warren of Columbia, South Carolina; great-grandchildren: Broderick M. Anderson, Jr. and Charles John Anderson, Hailey Anderson Cooper, Kyla Laudman,  Aaron Laudman, Jr. and Adrian, Pierre and Jennifer Warren; son-in-law, Arthur Laudman of Columbia, South Carolina, and a host of  nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends.

Mother Moore leaves with us for consolation her favorite verse of Scripture: “. . . weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning.” ~ Psalm 30:5a