Jerry Elaine (Lawless) Moore

Jerry Elaine Lawless Moore,78, of Columbia, passed away on January 7, 2018, leaving behind an enduring legacy as a devoted wife, mother, and business woman.

Born in the family home to Forest Herbert Lawless and Jewell Corrine Loy on April 9, 1939, Jerry was raised in the Moore’s School House Community of Russell County. After graduating from Russell County High School in 1957, she moved to Chicago with her cousin. It was there that she met her life partner, Bobby Joe Moore, also a Kentucky native from Adair County. The couple returned home and were married on May 30, 1958 in front of beloved family and friends. Shortly after, Jerry and Bobby established a home in Adair County, where they were blessed with five children.

In 1981, Jerry, along with her husband Bobby, began operating B&H Poolroom, located on the square next to the old Loy’s Department Store. Seven years later, in February 1988, Moore’s Poolroom was open next to the Columbiana Theater on the southwest side of the square. Thirty years later, this Columbia institution stands as a tribute to Jerry, where the food is always tasty, the service always friendly, and the atmosphere always lively. With its smoky ambiance, clacking of billiards, and the aroma of burgers and onions frying on the grill, Jerry was a constant, greeting guests with her hardy hello and welcoming smile.

On a keyboard tucked behind the booths, it wasn’t uncommon to find Jerry tickling the ivories, or singing a tune with someone who plucked down one of the guitars hanging from the paneled walls. Jerry was a self-taught pianist, who performed locally with her sisters Janet, Betty, Gladys, and Debbie. The sister act made appearances at special events, singing standards and pop hits of the day. It never occurred to Jerry to be shy, and her personality shone from her singing to her wardrobe.

Jerry’s love of dancing was also evident at Moore’s. At any given time, she might be found dancing between the tables with friends and customers. Her favorite partner, however, was her husband Bobby, whom she whirled through life with for over 60 years.

Jerry was a member of the Russell Heights Baptist Church.

Her adoring husband of 59 years, Bobby Joe Moore, survives to mourn her passing.

She leaves to cherish her memory five beloved children: Melinda “Lindy” Gay Pineur, Timothy “Prill” Joe Moore (Angela Smith), Kimberly Kay Coffey (Roger), Charlotte Elaine Hare (Eric), and Chad Jeremy Moore (Michelle), all of Columbia.

Twelve adored grandchildren also survive: Tessa Nicole Salmon, Samuel Brent Pineur, Erin Jewel Pineur, Natalie Ryan Moore, Brandon Blair, Candace Rhiannon Coffey, Brandon Dale Coffey, Bethany Lauren Coffey, Roger Lucas Coffey, Elliot Jansen Hare, Irelynn Kaye Moore, and Lundon Grant Moore. Twenty-one great grandchildren also survive.

One brother, Jimmy Lawless of Jamestown; two sisters, Gladys Clonch of Simpsonville and Debbie Wade of Somerset, also survive.

Jerry also leaves behind her special friend and sidekick, Marsha Clark.

Visitation will begin Tuesday, January 9, at 3:30 p.m. at Stotts-Phelps-McQueary Funeral Home.

Memorial services will be held on Wednesday, January 10, at 2:00 p.m., with interment to follow in the Columbia Cemetery. Brother Stanley Watson officiating.

Pallbearers are Gavin Bernard, Lucas Coffey, Mark Lawless, Brent Pineur, Darren Polston, and Gary Polston.

Musical accompaniment by Bernie Bricker.

Stotts-Phelps-McQueary Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.

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