Myrtis Moore McCord, 90, crossed the Jordan peacefully, and with great anticipation, on October 15, 2022. She was admired by everyone who met her, from young children who were attracted to her like magnets, to family and friends who sought out her wisdom and humor, to those who cared for her in her final years, many of whom confessed that, although they weren’t supposed to have favorites, Myrtis was their favorite.

Myrtis was born on February 1, 1932, to Geneva and Virgil Moore in their home in Belden, Mississippi, in the midst of the Great Depression. The first person in her family to attend college, she earned a Bachelor of Arts from Blue Mountain College. She then earned a Master of Library Science from Louisiana State University, where she met her beloved and adoring husband, Joe McCord, at a party, as he made beer in a kitchen sink. They married on March 16, 1963.

Despite growing up in poverty, Myrtis had a ridiculously happy childhood, which she and Joe gave their own children, Gretchen and Jody. They taught their children that the greatest sources of joy are family and friends, knowledge and learning, nature, helping others, and honoring the giants on whose shoulders we all stand.

Myrtis was a true steel magnolia, both exemplifying and challenging traditional roles and expectations. She did not think of herself as a brave person, yet she consistently stood up for what was right and to protect others, despite her fears.

Myrtis lived a remarkable life through extraordinary times, and she will be sorely missed by all.

She is preceded in death by her parents and her husband; brother Jon Orion Moore and wife Evelyn; brothers-in-law Lynn McCord, Jim McCord and wife Lorine, Clarence McCord, and Jesse McCord; and nephews Marcus Moore, Michael McCord, and Kody McCord.

She is survived by daughter Gretchen McCord DeFlorio and son-in-law Dominick DeFlorio of Rockdale, Texas; son Jody McCord of Colorado Springs, Colorado; sisters-in-law Frances McCord of Baton Rouge and Jean McCord of Gainesville, Georgia; numerous nieces, nephews, and their children; and countless friends, colleagues, former students, and more, all of whom are grateful she was a part of their lives.

A gathering to celebrate Myrtis will be held at 2:00 on November 18, 2022, at her daughter’s home in Rockdale, Texas, and may be attended in-person or virtually. See details at www.holdingspaceevents.com/my….

Memorial donations may be made to Autism Society, K9s for Warriors, Milam County CPS Board, Texas Library PAC, or Wounded Warrior Project.

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