Shreveport Educator Honored for Lifelong Impact on Students

Community gathering for a memorial service honoring an educator

News Summary

The Shreveport community is mourning the loss and celebrating the life of Karen Ruth Strickland Moore, a beloved educator and community leader. Known for her dedication to teaching and innovation in education, Karen’s legacy will continue to inspire future generations. Funeral services are scheduled for April 14, 2025, at Broadmoor Baptist Church, where friends and family will gather to honor her contributions and share cherished memories.

Shreveport Community Remembers Beloved Educator Karen Strickland Moore

The city of Shreveport is coming together to honor the life of Karen Ruth Strickland Moore, a cherished educator, mother, and grandmother who left a lasting impact on her community. The funeral services are set to take place on Monday, April 14, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at the Broadmoor Baptist Church, located at 4110 Youree Dr.

Details of the Service

The service will be officiated by Dr. Tom Harrison, with assistance from Dr. John Sullivan, who will help commemorate Karen’s influential life. Friends and family can gather for a visitation starting at 9:30 a.m. in the church parlor, allowing loved ones to come together and share their memories of Karen before the ceremony. Following the public service, a private family interment will take place later that afternoon.

A Life Well-Lived

Born on September 1, 1951, in Shreveport, Louisiana, Karen was the daughter of Thomas L. Strickland, Jr. and Carolyn Strickland Osborn. She spent her childhood in North Shreveport and graduated from Northwood High School. Following her passion for education, Karen attended Louisiana College before returning home to teach. Over her impressive 38-year career, Karen made her mark at Parkway High School and Airline High School, before becoming the chairman of the math department at Bossier Parish Community College. Her contributions were particularly notable as she emerged as a pioneer in distance learning in the 1990s, leading the way in educational innovation.

Retiring in 2010 after the arrival of her first grandchild, Karen stayed connected with education, continuing to teach informally and nurtured a love for learning in her family.

A Family-Oriented Life

In December 1972, Karen married her love, Gary Moore, and together they enjoyed a beautiful union that lasted 52 years. They raised two daughters, Emily and Jennifer, who blessed them with six grandchildren. The grandchildren fondly called her “Murmie,” a title that speaks volumes about her role in their lives. Karen cherished many family traditions, proudly organizing events like Halloween pumpkin patch outings and festive Christmas stocking reveals that were always filled with joy.

Community Engagement and Service

More than just a dedicated educator, Karen was deeply involved in her community and church. She passionately served in various roles at Trinity Heights Baptist Church, leading Sunday School classes, teaching vacation bible school, and taking part in mission trips. Her commitment to service also extended to conducting a weekly Bible study with prison inmates, lending her time and heart to those in need. After retiring, she became an active member of Broadmoor Baptist Church and worked alongside the Gideon Ladies Auxiliary, further spreading her generosity.

A Lasting Legacy

Karen was preceded in death by her parents and her younger brother, Alan Strickland. She is survived by her husband Gary, daughters Emily Hays (Phil) and Jennifer Norvell (Britt), and her beloved grandchildren Finn, Adeline, Clara, Millie Hays, Josephine, and Ezra Norvell. Additionally, she is survived by siblings Kay Johnson (Billy), Keith Strickland (Jan), and Peggy Clower (John), as well as many in-laws who mourn her passing.

Honoring Karen’s Memory

Pallbearers for the funeral will include a close-knit group of friends and family, including John Allen, Kenny Hawthorne, John Wood, and several others who played significant roles in her life. In lieu of flowers, the family encourages anyone wishing to honor Karen’s memory to consider making donations to organizations she cherished, such as the Gideon’s Ladies Auxiliary, the BPCC Foundation, or the local churches’ mission and vacation Bible school funds.

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Chip McDonald and the remarkable staff at the Willis Knighton Cancer Center for the compassionate care provided during Karen’s illness.

As Shreveport prepares to say goodbye to a beloved figure, Karen Strickland Moore’s spirit and legacy will undoubtedly continue to inspire her family, friends, and the countless lives she touched.