Mary Allen Campbell Moore age 93, who was lovingly referred to as “Nanu” by many people who knew her and a beloved member of her family and community, passed away peacefully at her home in Carrollton on January 17, 2026. She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered for her strength, her unwavering faith, and her lifelong dedication to those she loved.
Mary was born on August 31, 1932, to Grady Campbell and Linnie Haley in her family home in Carroll County, where she was raised alongside her five siblings: Evelyn C. Pipkin, Estelle C. Cooper, Sadie C. Mann, Lloyd Campbell, and Henderson Campbell. Those early years shaped her strong values and work ethic, and provided a foundation for her deep commitment to family.
She attended J Z George High School, and following her graduation she married her sweetheart, Ern Wells “Pete” Moore. Although they lived for a time on the MS Gulf Coast, they soon returned to Carrollton to be nearer to their network of support, as their new family continued to grow. There, they built their home within walking distance of the service station they came to take over from Pete’s mother, Alice Marshall. They operated “the station” on Highway 82 in Carrollton for decades; it was more than just a business as it reflected their values of connection to the community and service to others. In addition, she briefly worked at Supreme Electronics and Baldwin Piano, but most of her working life was spent with The People’s Bank & Trust Company, as the Carrollton branch manager, from which she retired.
Mary was a devoted lifelong member of Carrollton Baptist Church, where through the years she kept the nursery, taught Sunday School, Vacation Bible School and was an integral member of the church choir, under the direction of Dr. Bernard Taylor. Her faith was strong, genuine, and evident in the way that she lived her life every day.
She was fond of little lap dogs (most often named Buddy), loved warm weather, and had numerous creative skills that included sewing and gardening. She was talented with needle and thread and could make almost anything – from majorette uniforms to delicate doll clothes to embroidery -always with precision. Her yard was a testament to her love of the outdoors and gardening, and she was always willing to share what she had grown with others. She was a phenomenal home cook, who insisted on sending everyone home with leftovers. Her home was a place of warmth, love, and welcome for everyone. Her legacy will live on in the generations that she nurtured and the countless lives that she touched.
She leaves behind three children: Bruce Moore (Gale) of Memphis, TN, Phyliss M Makamson (Ray) of Itta Bena MS, Barbara M Liberto (Michael) of Grenada MS. Additionally, she is survived by 10 grandchildren and 15 great grandchildren, all of whom were a source of great joy and pride, as evidenced by the numerous picture-covered walls of her home.
She was preceded in death by her husband Ern Wells “Pete” Moore, son Edwin Eugene “Eddie” Moore, and great granddaughter Natalie Lynn Jones.
Mary was a pistol of a woman – a true firecracker. She had a quick wit, a sharp sense of humor, and a laugh that came easily and often. Her life was one of faith, family, and hard work. Her memory will live on in the stories that are told, the skills passed down, and the love she gave so freely. She will be deeply missed.
Visitation will be at Carrollton Baptist Church on Wednesday January 21 at 10:00am with funeral services at 11:00am. Burial will follow at Evergreen Cemetery. Pallbearers will be her grandsons.
The family requests that memorials be made to Carrollton Baptist Church PO Box 5 Carrollton MS 38917, the Evergreen Cemetery Association at PO Box 425 North Carrollton MS 38947, or Natalie Lynn Jones Memorial Playground Fund at Bank of Commerce, PO Box 546, Greenwood MS 38941.