Sara Thomas Moore, 86, of Shelby, passed away on Tuesday, June 16, 2026 at Fair Haven of Forest City.

A native of Shelby, North Carolina, she was born September 5, 1939 to the late John Thomas Moore and Sara Elizabeth McMurry Moore.

Sara attended Gardner Webb Junior College then continued her studies graduating from Limestone College, majoring in education. She began her teaching career in Arlington, Virginia and then moved home where she worked diligently as an elementary school teacher at #3 school in Shelby until her retirement. In her free time, Sara enjoyed playing bridge and was a "favorite fill-in" on many a game. She took great joy in visiting with friends and family whom she adored inquiring about all their families, never speaking about herself. Sara Thomas knew everyone's name and was genuinely interested in them.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by an infant sister, Elizabeth Avery Moore, also her aunts and uncles: Margaret Hamrick McMurry, Andrew Willis McMurry, and Jesse "JJ" Jenkins McMurry Jr., Odus Lee Moore, Marietta Moore Hamrick, Ollie Moore, Kate Moore, Dan Moore, Sr., Dr. D.F Moore, Dr. Vic Moore and Holland Moore. Her cousins: Anne Royster Taylor, David Wyeth Royster, Jr., Virginia McMurry Jones Love, Dr. Avery McMurry, John Eugene McMurry, Mary "Mimi" Royster Wilkins, Stephen Sampson Royster, Katherine "Kathie" Royster Burgin, Margaret "Peggy" McMurry Royster Porter, the Honorable Julia Virginia "Judy" Jones, Elizabeth Hamrick Mack, Dr. John Hamrick, Felix Hamrick, Helen Hamrick, Edith Hamrick Bridgers, Sadie Hamrick Williamson, Margaret Hamrick, Marietta Hamrick Heinlein, O.L. "Bill" Moore, Jr., John Henry Moore, Mary Moore Silsand, Daniel W. Moore, Jr., Nancy Moore, and Holland Victor Moore.

Sara also leaves behind literally over one hundred cousins to cherish the memories of her life. She loved them all.

A special thank you to the staff of Fair Haven for their kindness, attention and care.

The family will receive friends Thursday July 2, 2026 at 10:00 AM with a Funeral Service to follow at 11:00 AM in Cecil M. Burton Funeral Home Chapel.

Burial will be private at Sunset Cemetery in Shelby.

Memorial contributions can be made to Friends of the Library in Shelby, NC, or Special Olympics of Cleveland County, NC

Online condolences can be made at www.cecilmburtonfuneralhome.com.

Cecil M. Burton Funeral Home & Crematory is honored to serve the Moore family.