Mother Viola Moore

Evangelist Mother Viola (Carter) Moore, 85, of Mishawaka, Indiana, peacefully departed this life on February 7, 2026. She was born April 10, 1940, in Clarksdale, Mississippi, to the late Ernest and Annie (Evans) Carter, where she was lovingly raised and nurtured.

On October 2, 1971, she was united in Holy Matrimony to her devoted and adoring husband, Elder Marshall Moore, in South Bend, Indiana. Together they cultivated a loving life grounded in faith, family, and service, later relocating to Niles, Michigan, where they continued building a life devoted to God and their community. Several years after the passing of her husband, Mother Moore relocated to Mishawaka, Indiana.

Mother Viola Moore was known as a diligent and faithful worker throughout her life. She retired from F.W. Means, also known as Model Coverall, after more than 30 years of dedicated service as a clean towel line sorter. Her strong work ethic and quiet perseverance were admired by all who knew her.

Beyond her professional life, Mother Moore possessed many creative gifts. She enjoyed beautiful hats and dresses, flower arranging, collecting and making dolls, and was a talented decorator who found joy in beautifying spaces for special occasions and gatherings. She especially loved hosting gatherings and cooking for family and friends, expressing her love through meals that brought people together.

Mother Moore confessed her hope in Christ and accepted Christ as her personal Savior at a young age. Later she was baptized in the Name of Jesus Christ, and was filled with the precious gift of the Holy Ghost under the tutelage and leadership of Elder J.R. Freeman. She later served faithfully under the pastoral leadership of District Elder Ardell Sanders, where she ministered in teaching and preaching with wisdom, conviction, and spiritual authority. Following the passing of District Elder Sanders, she remained a faithful and committed member of New Bethel Tabernacle Church under the pastorate of Bishop Cecil E. Golder, Jr.

After many years of dedicated kingdom service, Mother Moore and her husband united with New Vision, an Apostolic Faith Assembly in Niles, Michigan, under the leadership of Bishop Carlton Burrell, where she remained a steadfast and faithful servant until her transition.

At New Vision, Mother Moore faithfully served in numerous capacities, including member of the Official Board of Directors, Sunday School Teacher, Prayer Warrior and Intercessor, and Chief Mother of the Mother’s Board. She was known for always being willing to serve wherever needed, faithfully laboring in kingdom building. Mother Moore deeply loved her church and her Lord. Through her faithfulness, wisdom, and example, she touched countless lives, encouraging many and leading others to Christ. She was truly loved and respected by both young and old alike.

A spirited and passionate singer, Mother Moore sang at every opportunity. Her songs reflected her Christian journey and testified to the delivering power of God for those committed to Him. Her devotion to the Lord was evident not only in the words she sang but in the heartfelt passion with which she ministered through music.

Mother Moore was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 47 years, Elder Marshall Moore; her parents, Ernest and Annie Carter and nine siblings: Emmett, Willie, and Ananais Carter, Cecelia Lathion, Mamie Hinton, Claretha Weathers, Easter Carter, Anna Mae Strawder, and Alma Hunter.

In her Loving memory she leaves a host of nieces, nephews and friends, namely her eldest and special niece, Dorothy (Woodrow) Hyde, special great niece and caregiver, Shannon Carter, special nephews, Melvin and Willie (Sue) Weathers, special great-great nephew Geoffrey Carter. Mother Moore also leaves to cherish her memory six God-children: Dr. Rashad (Lisa) Minor, Destini Minor, Courtney Adams, Mallory (Noah), Noel and Zoe Nicholson.

Though we are saddened by the absence of her physical presence, we celebrate her life, memory, and lasting legacy. We rejoice in knowing that she now rests in peace in the care of her Savior, and in the blessed assurance that those who make themselves ready shall rise to meet both her and the Lord when He comes again for His saints. Amen.

Funeral services for Viola will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, February 21, 2026 at New Vision Apostolic Faith Assembly, 819 Lake St. Niles, MI. 

Friends may visit with the family on Friday, February 20, 2026 from 5:00 - 8:00 p.m. at Palmer Funeral Home - West Chapel, 2702 Lincolnway West, South Bend and again one hour prior to the service at the church. Burial will immediately follow at Highland Cemetery in South Bend. 

Condolences can be sent to the family via the Palmer Funeral Home website, www.palmerfuneralhomes.com

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.