Dr. Sheila Moore
/Dr. Sheila Moore
Four States Living Tribute To Women
photo by JOHN BUNCH PHOTOGRAPHY
A small town girl who loves God, her husband, family, and friends, Dr. Sheila M. Moore serves as an assistant professor of nursing at Texas A&M University-Texarkana. She has been married to her husband, Roger, for 36 years, and they have twin daughters, Brooke Moore Cobb (married to Chase) and Carmen Moore Sampson (married to Gary), and a son, Brent Moore. Sheila’s grandchildren, Steven Sampson, Austin Sampson, Summer Cobb, Grace Griffin, Carly Griffin, Austin Cobb, and great-grandson, Blake Sampson, are the apples of this Nana’s eyes.
Sheila caught this fish while fishing with her husband, Roger, on Millwood Lake. She admits that they had a great time but didn’t come home with any fish because Roger is a “catch and release fisherman.”
A registered nurse for 27 years, Dr. Sheila Moore worked in Texarkana for many years before going back to college to obtain her master’s degree and then a doctoral degree. “These degrees allowed me to share my love of nursing and patients with nursing students over the past 12 years, both in the classroom and in the clinical setting,” she explains.
Raising three wonderful children to adulthood is Sheila’s greatest accomplishment. Watching them grow and mature into wonderful, caring, giving individuals who love the Lord and other people makes her heart swell with pride.
“I think my proudest professional achievement is earning a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree at almost 52 years of age,” Sheila says. “It just goes to show that one is never too old to learn and grow professionally.” Sheila considers herself blessed to be able to work in a profession that continues to challenge and stimulate her to care for and love others.
Since domestic violence prevention is a passion of Sheila’s, she has been involved with the Toy Bradshaw Memorial Golf Tournament for several years and never misses an opportunity to share the story of Toy’s life. She explains, “Having personally known and worked with Toy for years, I am acutely aware of the physical and mental devastation from which the victims and their loved ones suffer as a result of domestic violence.”
Over the years, many people have inspired Sheila and challenged her to be all that she can be. If she had to choose just one, she would pick her grandmother, Alice Phillips Bizzell. “Although she died when I was a child, her influence on my mom and those around her taught me to be a strong, independent woman who is not afraid to challenge the system, stand up for the underdog, and fight for what is right,” she acknowledges. “Although my grandmother was small in stature, she more than made up for that in her faith, her tenaciousness, and her sense of right and wrong.”
Sheila loves the peace and tranquility that living in the country affords. When she isn’t working at the college, she enjoys spending time at the farm with Roger, their family, and their animals.
Love yourself, believe in yourself, work hard for what you want, love others as yourself, and love the Lord your God with all of your heart, soul, and might is Sheila’s greatest piece of advice for young women. She knows firsthand that when your faith is strong and your heart is in the right place, He will bless you and provide for you.
“This is the day the Lord hath made. I will rejoice and be glad in it.”
- Psalm 118:24
The way Dr. Heather McKnight sees her
Looking back over the 20+ years that I have learned from Dr. Sheila Moore has been a fulfilling reflection. My choice to pursue the profession of nursing stemmed from seeing her dedication to patients and families. The depth of compassion and caring she exhibited with every phone call and interaction has been awe-inspiring. There was no denying her calling to be a nurse, and I am grateful to have joined her in the profession of nursing.
Sheila has been a constant throughout my nursing career, which has meant serving as cheerleader/accountability partner during school, a shoulder to cry on with my first patient death, and my right hand in my current role as Director of Nursing at A&M-Texarkana. Sheila has an exceptional ability to discuss and identify multiple solutions to issues and concerns. She steps back and approaches each challenge from a holistic perspective. This gift has allowed for growth and maturation for the both of us each year.
Ultimately, the friendship that has resulted from our introduction in 1999 has been the most precious gift. I would not be the woman I am today without all the lessons, tears, laughter, and experiences shared with Sheila. She prefers to stay in the shadows, so I am pushing her into the light by spotlighting her in this year’s Tribute to Women.
FUN FACTS
What is something unique about you that most people would not know?
“I never graduated from high school. I actually got my GED.”
If you could have dinner with one person, famous or not, living or dead, real or fictional, with whom would it be?
“I would love to have dinner with Cory Ten Boom. Her life and her faith is a wonderful example of triumph out of tragedy.”
What music do you listen to in your vehicle?
“I split my listening between contemporary Christian music, ’70s on 7, and Willie’s Roadhouse on XM Radio. It all depends on my mood and thoughts.”
What did you imagine yourself being when you were growing up?
“As a young child, I couldn’t decide if I wanted to be a nurse or a hairstylist. After having a child with a congenital heart defect, the desire to become a nurse was renewed with vigor.”
What is the last gift you gave someone?
“I bought my husband a new pair of boots.”
What is your favorite meal that you order regularly at a local establishment?
“Since I am married to the grill master who cooks the best steak around, we don’t eat out much. But when we do, we can usually be found at one of three local Mexican restaurants – Maria’s in New Boston, Amigo Juan in Texarkana, or Loca Luna in Texarkana. I love Mexican food!”
If there was a movie produced about your life, which actress would portray you?
“That’s a hard one. I’ve always thought I’d like Sally Fields to portray me, but she is so tiny and cute. So maybe Melissa McCarthy or Kathy Bates would be a more logical choice. They are both great actresses and could make me look more interesting than I really am.””