Iris Annette (McAlpin) Moore

“But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him.” ~ I Thessalonians 4:13-14

Iris Annette (McAlpin) Moore was born on December 11, 1933, in Dallas, Texas, to the union of Ivory McAlpin and Gladys (Calhoun) McAlpin. Iris grew up in a loving family with her mother, Gladys, whom she affectionately called "Mother", her sister, Evelyn Calhoun, whom she lovingly called "Sister", and her beloved grandmother, Leticia Calhoun, whom she regarded as "Mama". Early on, Iris gave her life to Christ and remained steadfast in her faith all her days.

Iris graduated from Booker T. Washington High School and then matriculated to Prairie View A&M University (PVAMU) where she pursued her bachelor’s in early education. There, she also met her first husband, Vance Heard. After their PVAMU graduation, they married and had two children, Vance Leon Heard, Jr. and Sheri Lynne Heard. Later in 1989, Iris met and married Douglas Wendell Moore. The two shared many of the same interests in life, including learning, travel, community service, family, church, and music. Iris and Douglas had 34 wonderful years together until he passed away on September 22, 2023.

Always delighted to broaden her understanding she earned a master’s in liberal arts and education from Southern Methodist University. This lifelong passion for education led her to a nearly four-decades-long teaching career with the Dallas Independent School District (DISD). Iris loved educating youth, and midway through her DISD career, her focus shifted to educating talented and gifted children. After many years of dedicated service in public education, Iris retired. 

As a young child, Iris developed a deep love for music and singing. She delightfully sang in school and church youth choirs. She continued to use her voice to bless others throughout her adult life. She united with Munger Avenue Baptist Church in her early years but later united with Cedar Crest Cathedral CME Church where she labored in various ministries, including the church choir and bereavement ministry for more than 30 years. She also helped with bringing several health affairs to the church and community. Iris was an enthusiastic member of the South Dallas Concert Choir and her church choir at Cedar Crest Cathedral CME.  Additionally, Iris’s commitment to the community came through her volunteerism with organizations such as the African American Museum, the Black Academy of Arts and Letters, and the Washington-Lincoln Alumni Association of Dallas.

In her late 60s, Iris was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. By the grace of GOD and the love and support of her husband Douglas, her children, and her grandchildren, Iris continued the pursuit of her passions. She attended church, sang, and participated as much as possible in the community — all with her family’s help.

On Saturday, December 14, 2024, just days after celebrating her 91st birthday, Iris responded to a greater call from THE LORD GOD and quietly entered her eternal rest. She was preceded in death by her parents; grandmother; sister; son-in-law, Brent Audwin Nance; and beloved husband, Douglas Moore.

Those left to cherish lasting memories include her loving children, Vance L. Heard, Jr. and Sheri L. Nance; her grandchildren: Candice Kamille Dupre, Catherine Victoria Lynnette Nance, and Treylon Andrew Heard; her great-grandchildren, Jaedon Dupre and Trinity Annelise Nance; and a host of nieces, nephews and friends.

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