Tyra Lee Moore

It is with heavy hearts that the family of Tyra Lee Moore, 63, announces her passing on January 12, 2024, in Benton, Arkansas.  Tyra, born on November 9, 1960, in San Diego, California, was the daughter of the late Barrington Easter Minto Elliot and Mary Alice (Hajdu) Elliot. She lived a life defined by her unwavering faith, boundless love, and adventurous spirit.

Tyra is survived by her loving family members, including her mother Mary, beloved husband Keith, cherished children Jessica (Paul), Rachel, and Jacob, as well as her adored granddaughter Harley. She is also survived by her siblings Tracy, Barry (Jackie), Stewart (Anita), and Ian.  She is predeceased by her father, Barrington Easter Minto Elliot, and her stepfather, Clifford Sargent, who Mary married after the passing of Barrington.

A celebration of life service to honor Tyra's remarkable life will be held at Victory Baptist Church in Benton, AR, with a subsequent service planned for a later date at Friendship Baptist Church in Myrtle Beach, SC.

In lieu of flowers, the family humbly requests contributions to assist with funeral and medical expenses for Tyra. Donations can be made directly to the family or through https://gofund.me/e47d54be. Your support during this difficult time is deeply appreciated.

In 1988, upon joining the Coast Guard, Tyra met her beloved husband Keith overseas while serving aboard the USCG Barque Eagle. They actually met in downtown London, England before crossing paths onboard the ship. Her service spanned four years, during which she attained the rank of Storekeeper Third Class. After leaving the military, she transitioned to the education sector and taught at Cape Christian Academy in Cape May, NJ. Subsequently, Tyra also taught at the USCG Storekeeper 'A' School in Petaluma, CA as a government-contracted instructor. After Keith's retirement, they relocated to Myrtle Beach, SC, where Tyra worked as a long-term substitute teacher and paraprofessional for the Horry County School District. Tyra held a BA in Economics from UC San Diego and studied Education at Coker College in Hartsville, SC with a focus on Holocaust studies.

During Keith's long deployments, Tyra stood as a pillar of unwavering strength, solely nurturing their children, Jessica, Rachel, and Jacob. Her enduring love, steadfast guidance, and unwavering support formed an unbreakable foundation, epitomizing the essence of a devoted mother whose dedication filled their lives with warmth, boundless love, and unwavering resilience.

Tyra's love of the water and mutual passion for sailing led to her and Keith's participation in and completion of basic and advanced sailing schools with the Warrior Sailing program. After obtaining certifications, they participated in several offshore and local races as crew. During one of those races Tyra and Keith were assigned to crew on opposing sailboats. Tyra’s team held a commanding lead, but due to the error of another crewmember, Tyra went overboard into the harbor and the boat had to turn around to retrieve her. As a result, after retrieving Tyra from the water, her team came in last place. At the next racing event, it was Keith's turn to go overboard, and everyone laughed and accused him of trying to be more like Tyra. But if they really knew her, they would know that what they said was true in so many ways. The world would benefit from more people like Tyra. This love of the sea culminated in the purchase of a sailboat, where they lived aboard for several years, embracing a life filled with adventure.

Tyra and Keith also traveled all over the country in their small camper, which they called Gypsy, enjoying numerous camping, hiking, horseback riding, and fishing escapades. They particularly enjoyed visiting different churches everywhere they traveled and meeting other like-minded Bible believers.

In 1992 Tyra and Keith lost their first home to Hurricane Andrew in Miami, FL when Jessica was only three months old. Tragedy struck again in 2018 when their home in Myrtle Beach was devastated due to flooding from Hurricane Florence. Three years later they moved to Benton, AR, joining their oldest daughter Jessica, her husband Paul, and their only grandchild Harley, whom Tyra deeply loved and adored. Harley loved and adored her YaYa without measure as well. They were looking forward to homesteading and spending much quality time with family at their new home in Benton.

Tyra was a born-again believer in the Lord Jesus Christ and loved to share her faith when the opportunity arose. At times Keith would leave his appointments at the VA to find Tyra sharing her faith with other veterans. While living in Myrtle Beach, SC, Tyra sang in the choir and helped with the children’s Bus ministry at Friendship Baptist Church. After recently closing on their home in Benton, Tyra and Keith joined Victory Baptist church where she had planned to be active in ministry once more. Tyra’s favorite passage of scripture was the 23rd Psalm and she had no fear of death because she knew where her eternity lies.

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” - John 3:16

Celebration of Tyra’s life will be held Thursday, January 18, at Victory Baptist Church, 5364 Hwy 67 in Benton, Arkansas.  Visitation held 10:00-11:00 AM, followed by funeral service at 11:00 AM.

Services entrusted to Smith-Benton Funeral Home. Guestbook:  www.SmithFamilyCares.com.