Obituary of Donavan Gordon Moore

With grateful hearts, we honor the life of Donavan Gordon Moore, affectionately known as Baltimore to his many friends, who departed this earth on February 15, 2025, at the age of 68. He was born to Robert Gordon Moore and Eloise Marie Pierce on September 16, 1956 at Parkland Memorial Hospital in Dallas, Texas, then raised in Baltimore, Maryland, where even as a kid, he was very particular in his style and dress, down to his white tennis shoes. He loved being a dedicated Boy Scout, especially in camping, and had a knack for being outdoors; rain, sleet, or snow could never affect his boyhood paper route; he was tenacious enough to get out there.

Even though they called him nicknames like Slim or Thin Man, he went on to letter in wrestling while at Dundalk Senior High School in Baltimore, Maryland, before returning to Dallas, where he graduated from David W. Carter High School. There he would go on to meet the love of his life, Shari Derrick, on a blind date through his lifelong friend, Tommy Jackson. Together, they created a family built on love, humor, and unforgettable memories.

Professionally, he worked in hospitality, spending many years in various kitchens and always serving others with a smile (and, of course, the occasional sarcastic comment). At one point, he enrolled in college to study hospitality to better serve his people. He was an absolute pleasure to be around, leaving you either smiling, laughing, and sometimes crying uncontrollably. One of Baltimore’s first jobs in the restaurant business was at a bougie place in Baltimore, Maryland, called The Brentwood Inn; this is where he learned to cut his teeth in the food service business, thus becoming addicted to it. From his days as a dedicated Boy Scout to his final moments, he approached every endeavor with the same unwavering work ethic, always wanting to see it through, with his famous saying, “Well, got that out the way”.

A man of deep faith, Baltimore was an active deacon at his church, New Heights Family Church, where his generosity and kindness made a lasting impact.

Preceded in death by his father, Robert “Bob” Moore, Baltimore is survived by his mother, Eloise Pierce, his loving wife, Shari Moore, two daughters, LaToya Harris (Christopher Harris, Sr.) and TaShawnda Barnes (Victor Barnes), eight grandchildren, Krislyn Harris, Jaylyn Harris-Bowman (Shawn Bowman), Christopher Harris, Jr., Antarius Harris, Jason Barnes, Mya Barnes, Adam Barnes, and Chloe Barnes, two great-grandchildren, Aubree Bowman and Berlynn Bowman, three brothers, Vincent Moore (Gale Moore), Michael Moore (Colanda Moore), and Andre Humber (Marilyn Humber), sister-in-law, Joyce Jackson (Tommy Jackson), a cherished friend, Zachary “Black” Hurnes, a host of nieces and nephews, and a wide circle of friends who loved him for his humor, his heart, and his unique way of keeping everyone on their toes.

Baltimore was known for his quick wit and sarcastic humor, often making everyone laugh with his clever remarks—sometimes even when we didn't see it coming! His humor may have been sharp, but it was always delivered with passion. Baltimore, a kindhearted and caring individual, has departed from this earth; we could only be so lucky to know and feel that some of his goodness was left down here to reflect on.