Brenda K. Moore

Brenda Kauffman Moore, 68, of Old Hickory, Tennessee, died peacefully February 28, 2026, in Nashville after a long battle with thyroid cancer.

She was born September 1, 1957, in Mojave, California, where her father was stationed at Marine Corps Air Combat Station, Twentynine Palms. Her family relocated to Wilmington where she attended New Hanover County Schools, graduating from New Hanover High School in 1975. While at New Hanover, she met the love of her life, Bobby Moore, and the two were married in 1980.

Brenda earned a B.A. in Education at UNC Wilmington and taught language arts, first at Guy B. Philips Junior High School in Chapel Hill and then at Central Davidson Junior High School in Davidson County, North Carolina, while her husband attended Bowman Gray School of Medicine.

She returned to Wilmington with her husband and children in 1990 and for more than a decade volunteered with New Hanover County Public Schools.

Brenda was first and foremost a dedicated mother and spouse but also was a loving member of her extended family, including brothers, sisters, parents, nieces, and nephews.

An abiding faith in God was her guiding light, and as a devoted member of Wesley Memorial United Methodist Church, she was active in the United Methodist Women as well as UMYF Reconstruct, and the Appalachian Service Project. Through Wesley Memorial she also found joy volunteering at Mother Hubbard’s Cupboard.

Known by all as an excellent chef, Brenda was renowned for her baked goods and her gift of hospitality, which led to her hosting innumerable baby and wedding showers as well as wedding receptions.

A voracious reader, she was a member of multiple book clubs. One, the BBC, is named in her honor- Brenda’s Book Club. A member of the Cape Fear Garden Club, she coordinated the Azalea Belles for several years, served as Azalea Garden Tour Chair in 2015, and delighted in time outside in her own garden.

Brenda also became a talented quilter, gifting some to beloved friends and family, but donating many to local and national charity auctions. For five decades she enjoyed her days at Wrightsville Beach and the Hanover Seaside Club with family and friends. One November, she even combined two of her favorite pastimes, hosting a quilting retreat at the Seaside Club.

She is survived by her husband Dr. Robert A Moore III of Old Hickory, TN; daughter Jessica Moore of Brooklyn, NY; son Brett Moore and daughter-in-law Rachel Moore of Nashville, TN; as well as grandchildren Henry and Caroline Moore also of Nashville. She is also survived by brothers David Kauffman (Nancy) of Wilmington, Scott Kauffman of Reston, VA, and sister Karen Estes (Ron) of Rock Hill, SC, and stepfather Eddie Balthazer, also of Rock Hill.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Joyce Balthazer and Roy Kauffman.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be directed to “WMUMC Endowment Missions” at Wesley Memorial United Methodist Church (address below), Mother Hubbard’s Cupboard (P.O. Box 76, Wilmington, NC 28402), or the Cape Fear Garden Club (P.O. Box 4751, Wilmington, NC 28406).

Her memorial service will be held at 3:30 p.m. Saturday, March 7, 2026, at Wesley Memorial United Methodist Church, 1401 South College Road, Wilmington, NC 28403 and will be livestreamed on welcometowesleyumc.org.