Barbara Ann Moore

Barbara Ann (Bender) “Grandma” Moore, 86, of Brookhaven, Georgia, passed away peacefully at home on March 3, 2025, after a prolonged illness.

Born on May 24, 1938, at Fort Meade, Maryland, to Colonel George E. and Linda Bender, Barbara grew up as an Army “brat,” living in Panama, Japan, Mississippi, and Columbus, Georgia. She often reminisced about her time in Japan, where she had the unique opportunity to ride Emperor Hirohito’s horse on the Palace Grounds.

Barbara had a long and accomplished career, working for Delta Airlines, Adair Realty, United Airlines, Covia, Apollo, Galileo, and C&S Bank in Atlanta. She was recognized numerous times for her dedication and loyalty.

She was devoted to her husband, Jim, her loving partner of 64 years, and actively supported his architectural career, especially during conventions and related events.

Barbara had a passion for working with children. She assisted in Montessori teaching, coached girls' soccer, and broke barriers as the first female USSFA-certified referee in Georgia. She enthusiastically supported her children and grandchildren in their activities, earning many “booster” and “cheerleader” awards. Known for her warmth and generosity, she served as an “off-campus” housemother for Phi Sigma Kappa and was a cherished “Special Friend” of Sigma Nu Fraternity.

In 2002, Chamblee High School honored her as the football team’s “Team Grandma,” a role she embraced wholeheartedly. In 2014, she was the first recipient of the Lifetime Service Award from the Blue & Gold Foundation. For 15 years, she volunteered at the front desks of CHS and CMS, becoming affectionately known as “Grandma” to thousands of students—reminding many not to wear saggy britches!

Barbara also had a deep love for Barbershop music. In 2010, she became an Associate Member of the Barbershop Harmony Society and, alongside her husband, helped organize summer singing camps for the BHS Southeastern States and Georgia Spirit Youth Chorus for 14 years. These efforts introduced hundreds of music educators and thousands of students to the art of Barbershop harmony. She rarely missed an International Convention in 40 years and never met a stranger. Fittingly, Barbershop music played as she peacefully passed.

Barbara and Jim made Brookhaven their home in 1965 and were devoted members of Our Lady of the Assumption Catholic Church. She was a woman of deep faith, always carrying a positive attitude.

She was an only child and is survived by her beloved husband, Jim; son, Jim (Debbie); daughter, Linda (Ernie); grandchildren, Jamie (Ben), Jenifer (Ryan), Brian (Ginnette), Morgan (Jake), and Matt (Rakayla); great-grandchildren, Allie, Benson Bear, Ellie, Oliver, Amelia, Marissa, Jaydn, Jaise, and Jaymi; and great-great-grandchild, Scarlett.

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the Gentiva Hospice staff for their loving care.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Barbara’s memory may be made to The Youth in Harmony Fund of Atlanta Vocal Project, 2661 Round Bridge Rd., Loganville, GA 30052.

A Memorial Mass will be held at 11 AM on Saturday, April 26, at Our Lady of the Assumption Catholic Church, 1350 Hearst Drive NE, Brookhaven, GA 30319. A reception for family and friends will immediately follow the memorial service. Fischer Funeral Care is handling arrangements.