Obituary of Leo Briggs Medford Moore

Leo Moore, 89, completed her earthly journey on November 13, 2018. Born in Swain County, N.C. on April 25, 1929, she was the daughter of John Briggs and Laura Byrd Briggs and the grand-daughter of Benjamin Franklin Byrd and Anner Davis Byrd of the Lauada Community. In addition to her parents and grandparents she was preceded in death by her first and third husband, Samuel Ray Moore and second husband, Cecil Roscoe Medford, Sister JoAnne Craig (George) and beloved son-in-law, Steve Holscher. She is survived by her daughter Jonni Medford (Jean Daniel Pointet), children Gary Moore (Patty), Cheryl Bane (Stan), Sandra Moore, and grandchildren Casey Medford Holscher, Ricky Sanford, Cheryl Holscher (Raymond), Suzanna Holscher Culp (Mike), Christie Grissett (Jeremy), Heather Lohr (Mike), Andrea Kester (Kyle), Andrew Moore, Arron Moore. Three grandchildren Isabelle (Christian), Madeleine (Erich) and Marc (Larissa) residing in Switzerland, Thirteen great grandchildren, brother Russell Briggs, nephew, Leo Craig (Kim) and lifelong best friend, Marilyn Brown. Leo left Swain County, NC in 1961 and lived in Miami, Fla, Chicago, Ill. and Homestead, Fla. She built a business, Leo Medford Tropicals, specializing in the breeding of African Cichlids and was recognized as a foremost breeder of the aquarium fish. She was also a devoted Girl Scout Leader, Sunday School Teacher and advocate for people in need. She returned to Swain County, and resided in the Alarka Community, in 1994 where she lived for 22 years before moving to Weaverville, NC where she remained until her death. Being true to her wishes and her love of children, in lieu of flowers, please donate to the children's charity of your choice. Services will be held at Crisp Funeral Home on Sunday, November 18, 2018 with visitation at 1 p.m. and funeral services at 2 p.m. Pastor John Tagliarini will conduct the Service with internment immediately after in Mason Branch Cemetery.