BY ROGER SMITH
MOUNTAIN CITIZEN

PIGEON ROOST — Martin County Judge/Executive Lon Lafferty presented a “Servant’s Heart Award” in recognition of a Pigeon Roost couple for decades of “unwavering commitment and exemplary service” that they poured into their community.

The award was bestowed upon Thelma Moore and her late husband, the late Eugene Moore during a Community Action for Recovery Enhancement and Support (CARES) event Saturday at Pigeon Roost Park. Local officials, friends and family were there for the tribute.

Thelma’s late husband of 60 years, affectionately known as “Sweetie,” passed away June 23 at the age of 87.

In his remarks, Judge Lafferty acknowledged the emotional weight of the moment.

”This is a bittersweet occasion,” he said. “She recently lost Sweetie, and we all did. He, too, was a tremendous asset to us all. So the words I have to say today are not just about Thelma, but I mean the both of them.”

Lafferty reflected on the couple’s six decades of service, noting how difficult it was to encapsulate their contributions. “How can you list 60 years of serving your community?” remarked Lafferty. “That’s what they have always been about – serving each other, serving their family, serving the lord and serving their community. They did it in such a tremendous way. The servant’s heart doesn’t ask for payment or glory; it doesn’t ask for praise. It doesn’t even ask for thanks. They do it because they have a desire to serve others.”

The judge noted Thelma’s long-standing involvement with the Kiwanis Club. Even though Eugene was not a member, he was always there serving.

“You know this if you ever went to the festivals,” commented Lafferty. “He was there shaking hands, shaking the lemonade, serving it, and also fixing the chocolate gravy at the Kiwanis breakfast.”

The Moores were instrumental in starting the Pioneer Days festival and the environmental movement “Pride is Growing on Wolf Creek, Pride is Growing on Pigeon Roost.” Thelma cleaned the Sidney Church for almost 40 years. Eugene was not a member the entire time, but he was there every time Thelma was there, eventually taking the altar call during a revival.

Presenting the award, Lafferty said, “We love you, Thelma, and we love Sweetie.”

Thelma clutched the award close, reminiscing about Eugene driving her to various places.

“He’d say, ‘Now Thelma, don’t you go in there and talk all day,” she chuckled. “But if I talked all day he would sit right there. He was one of a kind, is all you can say about Eugene Moore.”

She recounted how her and Eugene’s story began in 1963 while she was working at her sister Margie Jude’s grocery store. It was Margie who nudged Thelma towards Eugene.

“Margie said, ‘Thelma, if I wanted any of them boys, I’d try to get a hold of that Eugene Moore. He will work,’” said Thelma, delighting the crowd.

“He was mine and I was his,” she said.

Eugene passed away as the couple slept, Thelma’s arms around him.

“I probably slept two hours,” said Thelma. When she awoke, their son Tracy Moore informed her that Eugene had gone about an hour before. “I had him hugged up all that time,” she said. “That’s the way he would have wanted to go.”

Thelma asked for continued prayers, saying she and Eugene never did anything without each other. “I appreciate this and all of you people for coming. Just hold me in your prayers.”

Thelma and Eugene’s granddaughter, Trista Stafford, spoke of the legacy her grandparents created, quoting scripture that encapsulated their life of service. “By love, serve one another. … And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not,” she recited, adding that their dedication to family and community was unwavering.

Trista invited those present to visit the couple’s home, where dozens of photo albums document the lives and events of Pigeon Roost.

“Sit in their favorite spot on the porch and look through the dozens and dozens of photo albums filled with precious memories of the people of Pigeon Roost,” said Trista. “Photo albums titled ‘Round and About Wolf Creek,’ ‘Memorial meetings,’ ‘Blackburn reunions,’ ‘Cemetery meetings,’ ‘Birthday parties,’ even down to birthday party invitations and graduation announcements from some of the people standing here today.”

In closing, Trista reflected on the enduring impact of her grandparents’ lives.

“When a community loses someone, it’s never the same,” she said, sharing a final verse of comfort: “For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.”