Mary A. Moore

Mary Arvella Moore was born in Wakefield, VA on March 24, 1939 to the late Ada Green and Antinie Leroy Sumler, Sr. She quietly departed this life on October 8, 2022 in Northwest Hospice Facility in Randallstown, MD. 

Mary was the third oldest of six siblings (Alease Sumler “Pinky”, Rosa Lee Sumler “Nicky”, Antinie Sumler Jr. “Peter”, Ada Mae Sumler “Mae Mae”, & Esther Lee Sumler “Butchy”). Mary attended Wakefield Public Schools where her favorite childhood thing to do was “wrap the May Pole”.  

In the 1960’s Mary moved from Wakefield to Norfolk, Virginia where she worked as a supervisor for UniFirst Corporation. She later retired after working there for over 30 years.

Shortly after moving to Norfolk, Mary met Fred D. Moore, a construction worker and contractor. When they met, he asked her out to the movies. She declined, only later to be won over by his personality. They were married for over 40 years until his death in 2008.

Joe and Mary both enjoyed people. And so, while living in Norfolk with their children, they became well known in the community. Mary soon developed the nickname “Ma Mary” as she was a mother figure to many.  All the neighborhood kids knew they could come to Ma Mary for a cold soda, frozen flavored ice or some candy.      

She became a member of Norfolk United Methodist Church where she served faithfully in numerous capacities. A few being, a communion steward and member of the usher board. She loved her church and the people she was able to meet while a member there.

Shortly after her husband’s passing, Mary moved to Owings Mills, MD to live with her daughter and son in law.  While in MD, Mary grew to be a Baltimore Ravens football fan. She enjoyed Sunday dinners with family and getting to know her two great granddaughters to which she would affectionately call and say “come give me my hug.”  She also joined The New Psalmist Baptist Church where she met many new friends.

When she would come back to visit VA, she would see her siblings, friends and visit her family in Wakefield where she enjoyed some hot fried fish and a piece of good ole cornbread.  

She also loved to play bingo and the penny machines at the casino. 

Mary touched the lives of many people. To some she had a no non-sense personality but to most she was loving, caring and kind. She was generous and never hesitated to help those in need.

Mary was preceded in death by her husband, Fred D. Moore, sisters Alease and Esther Lee Sumler, and daughter Gloria Jean McCain (Norfolk, VA).  She is survived by her brother, Antinie Sumler Jr, sisters Rosa Lee and Ada Mae Sumler, her daughter Annette Wagoner (Maurice Wagoner) of Owings Mills, MD, her sons Kevin Douglas Moore (Kairi) of Okinawa, Japan and Kenneth Douglas Moore of Norfolk, VA, a host of grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, nephews and friends.