Moore, Clara L Scates
A devoted woman of God, Clara lived a life rooted in faith, service and compassion. She was a true humanitarian, taking great pride in her work and offering exceptional care to every life she touched. Whether it was her acts of service or her daily interactions, she did it with a deep
commitment to make a lasting impact in the lives of others. Clara was a faithful Christian whose life reflected Christ through her kindness, strength and unwavering love for others. She was a lifelong member of Columbia Avenue Church of Christ and an avid supporter of O.H.
Bernard Community Center. Through her church, her work or her home, she was a steady source of comfort, wisdom and grace.
Clara pursued her passion for caregiving through her education at Meharry Medical College in Nashville. She furthered her education at Columbia State Community College where she obtained her Associate of Applied Science Degree (AAS) in Nursing, completing her formal
Registered Nurse education and training. She retired from Hickman County Hospital after 45 years. Her deep compassion and devotion were felt by every patient she encountered. They were more than assignments – they were people she nurtured, advocated for and loved.
Nursing was not just her profession, it was her ministry.
Clara’s hobbies also reflected her creative talents through sewing, canning, gardening and baking…who can forget those fried pies!
Above all, Clara was a loving and devoted wife, mother, sister, aunt, grandmother and great-grandmother. She poured into her family with strength, humor, wisdom and unconditional love.
She leaves to cherish her memory: Daughters – Mimi Moore Bell (Doug), Los Angeles, CA; Carla Moore, Centerville, TN; Hobrina Moore Taylor, Centerville, TN; Dr. Kindra Smith (Michael), Canton, GA. Grandchildren – D.J. Key, Centerville, TN; Victoria Smith, Canton, GA
and Trey Smith, Canton, GA; Great-grandchild – Kali Key, Centerville, TN. Brother – Joe Scates (Brenda), West Milford, New Jersey; Sister – Mary Flagg, Centerville, TN; Uncle – Bro. Graham McGill, Union City, TN; Sister In Law – Mable Scates and an abundance of loving nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by: Parents – Mary and Mitchell Scates; Son – Victor Moore (Jeanette); Sisters – Sarah Cowan (Vator), Jean Mills (Alfred), Dorothy Scates; Brothers – Mitchell Scates, Jr. (Audrey), Johnny Scates (Shiral), Marshall Scates (Loretta), Kenneth Scates; Brother in Law – Reginald Flagg.
Clara will be remembered for her gentle spirit, servant’s heart and the way she made everyone feel seen and cared for. Her life was a living testimony of faith in action—quiet strength, deep love and consistent grace.
A Wake will be held 18 April 2026 from 3:00 – 6:00 PM at Columbia Avenue Church of Christ, 177 Columbia Ave., Centerville, TN. Visitation with the family will be 19 April 2026 from 2:00 – 3:00 PM at McDonald Funeral Home – Hickman County with Funeral Services to begin at 3:00 PM. Burial will follow at Memory Gardens Cemetery, Centerville, TN.
