A Legacy of Love, Faith and Service: Walter and Linda Moore’s Story

In the quiet town of Morganton, North Carolina, there is a church family that has been blessed by the dedicated presence of Walter and Linda Moore. They have been part of the Morganton Seventh-day Adventist Church since 2011. Their story is one of answered prayers, spiritual growth, and a strong desire to give back—not only in life, but through their legacy.

Their journey began with a simple flyer in the mail advertising a prophecy seminar. Curious and seeking answers to long-held spiritual questions, Walter and Linda decided to attend. One thing led to another: a visit from a friendly deacon, a community outreach event called Journey Through Bethlehem, and Bible seminars that began to answer questions they had pondered for decades.

Linda recalls a pivotal moment during a slow tax season at work when she heard a voice say, “Linda, you could be at church today.” The feeling that voice stirred in her never left. That seed grew into a life-changing decision for both Linda and Walter.

They had visited other churches—Pentecostal and Baptist—but still craved deeper biblical knowledge. The Adventist teachings, especially those concerning the Sabbath, caught their attention. They began attending regularly and officially joined the church in 2011.

Yet their spiritual journey didn’t stop with church attendance. The Moores deeply engaged in service.

Linda served as a deaconess, assistant church secretary, and later, substitute secretary. She helped prepare bulletins, count offerings, and support various ministries. Walter served as assistant head deacon and Sabbath School teacher. Together, they worked in the church thrift shop and supported outreach efforts, including a church plant in Valdese.

The Moores also opened their hearts to Planned Giving and Trust Services, the Carolina Conference’s estate planning ministry. Through thoughtful planning, they are preserving a legacy that will serve others long after they are gone. They chose to include their church, its ministries, and community projects like God’s Closet and the local secondhand store in their estate plan.

Why did they choose to include the church?“Because of everything that they do—the school, God’s Closet, prison ministry—it’s worth it.”

God’s Closet provides gently used clothing to those in need at little or no cost. The prison ministry offers hope and biblical guidance to people often forgotten. The thrift store serves the community with affordable goods and meaningful conversations.

These ministries meant a great deal to the Moores—not only because they were involved, but because they saw the impact firsthand. For them, it wasn’t about money. It was about mission.

Their love story is equally inspiring. They first met in the 1970s, parted ways, and later reunited when Walter returned from the Gulf War. Guided by prayer and a desire to follow God’s plan, they married just five weeks after reconnecting.

When asked how they would like to be remembered, they offered a few simple yet powerful words:“For being workers in the church, helping people, and attending faithfully.”

Why This Matters

Walter and Linda Moore’s story is more than a personal testimony—it’s an example of what a life of faith and service can look like. Through the Carolina Conference’s Planned Giving and Trust Services department, they found a meaningful way to continue their ministry long after their time here.

And you can too.

Their story reminds us that our service doesn’t have to end with this life. With faith-based estate planning, your legacy can live on.

If you’d like to learn how your church or favorite ministry can be part of your estate plan, contact the Carolina Conference Planned Giving and Trust Services Department today. Like Walter and Linda Moore, you too can leave a legacy of faith, love, and service.

—by Esmeralda Paulino