Hilda Grace Locust Moore

Hilda Grace (Locust) Moore was born on December 5, 1940, in Kinston, North Carolina, to the late Sellie and Ezzadelle Locust. She was the oldest of 13 siblings and was called home to glory on April 8, 2026.

Hilda graduated from Snow Hill High School in May 1959. Shortly afterward, she moved to New York City, where she met and married Richard Moore. Together, they had three children: Sandra Denise, Richard Jr., and the late Davey Alfonso, who passed away from cancer at the age of 7.

While raising her family, she attended Medgar Evers College in Brooklyn, New York. She worked in the New York public school system as a teacher’s assistant and later in the administrative department at the Board of Education. In addition, she worked at the Bank of New York for more than 30 years. After retiring, she returned to North Carolina.

Hilda was an Eastern Star and was active in her community and church in Brooklyn, New York, as well as in Pine Level, North Carolina. She loved helping others and spent her free time volunteering with Meals on Wheels, delivering food to seniors in her community.

Hilda was the heart and soul of her family, and her absence will truly be felt. Her personality was larger than life. She could light up any room she entered, and her laughter made our hearts smile. Her wisdom guided us through countless moments, and her unwavering kindness, generosity, and gentle spirit touched everyone fortunate enough to know her. Whether offering a helping hand, sharing a heartfelt story, or simply sitting with us in silence, she brought comfort and joy to our days. The lessons she imparted and the love she shared will remain with us always.

Hilda was preceded in death by her parents, Sellie Locust and Ezzadelle Locust; her sisters, Sarah E. Whitfield, Beatie J. Wells, and Bessie L. Bellamy; and her brothers, Edward Locust, Levy D. Locust, Jeffrey Milton Locust, and Ronnie Earl Locust.

Hilda will be deeply missed by those she leaves behind: her daughter, Sandra D. Locust; her son, Richard L. Moore Jr. (Rochelle); nine grandchildren; thirteen great-grandchildren; three great-great-grandchildren; five siblings; and many other relatives and friends.