Dorothy J Moore

Dorothy Jean (McKinney) Moore, 75, peacefully went home to be with her Lord early in the morning on Monday, November 30, 2020.  Dorothy was born on September 13, 1945 in Knoxville, Tennessee, to the union of Willie Paul, Sr., and Cordelia (Alloway) McKinney. Reared in Knoxville, she accepted Christ at a young age and attended Mount Olive Baptist Church and Bethel AME Zion as a child and young woman. She was gifted with a natural athletic ability and speed allowing her to excel in various sports, including basketball, softball and track during her youth.  As a young teenager, she won a city-wide physical fitness contest and was featured on local television and in the newspaper. Dorothy attended Austin High School and upon graduation worked various jobs before becoming bank teller with Valley Bank. At the age of 30, with much determination and grit, she successfully completed The Knoxville Police Department Academy, while raising two preschool daughters, and was one of the first female patrol officers. Dorothy brought a whole new level of dignity, grace, style and spunk to the KPD badge, including precise marksmen skills and compassionate service. While at KPD, she served in patrol, teleserve and culminated her career as a detective in the Criminal Investigations Division solving burglary cases in the West Sector. Throughout her career, Dorothy was the subject of several newspaper articles detailing her rookie years as well as her major busts. She was a true trailblazer in Knoxville law enforcement as only the second African American female officer to serve KPD and the first to ever complete 25 years of service before retiring.  She is also acknowledged in the Knoxville Police Department History Book. During her years of service with KPD, she was active member of the Fraternal Order of Police, including fundraising and volunteering in the summers to provide camp for at-risk youth at the FOP Lodge. Dorothy was also active on police bowling and softball teams. After retirement, Dorothy enjoyed watching and attending musical, theatrical and sporting events, especially Lady Vols Basketball, which included being decked out from head to toe in orange and white. Dorothy loved the Lord and was a very devoted member of Rogers Memorial Baptist Church as she was active Sunday School, Senior Choir and Joy Club until her health began to decline.  She also a member of the Red Hatters Society and relished their outings and special events.
Dorothy found true joy being a “Nana,” not just to her own grandchildren but to their friends and her younger church members and neighbors. She loved supporting their church activities, musicals, school and sporting events.  She was truly known for her enthusiasm, kindness, generosity, quick wit, impeccable fashion taste and sense of style.  Dorothy’s perseverance and strength served as inspiration for all who were blessed to know her.
Dorothy found true joy being a “Nana,” not just to her own grandchildren but to their friends and her younger church members and neighbors. She loved supporting their church activities, musicals, school and sporting events.  She was truly known for her enthusiasm, kindness, generosity, quick wit, impeccable fashion taste and sense of style.  Dorothy’s perseverance and strength served as inspiration for all who were blessed to know her.

She was predeceased by her parents, daughter Pamela Moore, son-in-law Steven Kirk and sister Vilia (McKinney) Buckingham. Left to celebrate her homegoing: devoted daughter Christi Kirk, grandchildren Taylor and Christian Kirk, siblings: Willie Paul, Jr. (Annie) McKinney, Saundra (Johnny) Upton, Lester McKinney, and Michael Wilson, several cousins, nieces and nephews, special family friends to include Doyle and Eileen Mason, Mike, Denisa, Samantha and Gene Cooper, Kelly Drummond, Ambrose and Mary Kirk and family, and loyal canine companion, Princess, who was the apple of her eye. Special appreciation for Shelley Clemons (KPD Community Outreach Coordinator) and the staff at Deane Hill Memory Care, especially Ismaila Cham who she truly adored.

Monday, December 7, 2020, a public walkthrough from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at Greater Warner Tabernacle A.M.E. Zion Church, 3800 Martin Luther King, Jr. Avenue, Knoxville, TN.  Social distancing and face coverings are required.  Graveside service will follow at Berry Highland South Cemetery, Knoxville, TN with Reverend Dr. Michel S.E. Caldwell as the eulogist.  A white dove release will conclude the service.  Flowers may be delivered to the church the morning of the public walkthrough.  During this time, we will remain in compliance with the Governor's Executive Order #17 (COVID-19).  Professional arrangements entrusted to Patton Funeral Home, Brian L. Buckmon, LFD 1-800-824-8283 or www.pattonfuneralhome1962.com.
 

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