Ashley Nelms, Rachel Peters, Katie Moore, Megan Williams and Michelle McCloskey - aka Betty's Babes

Ashley Nelms, Rachel Peters, Katie Moore, Megan Williams and Michelle McCloskey – aka Betty’s Babes

Before she died of cancer a year ago, Betty Moore was known as “Mama Moore” to many in Lake Highlands. She was a supporter and advisor to the many friends of her daughters, LHHS 2007 grad Lainey and 2010 grad Katie, to her P.E. students at Highlander School, and to most young people she encountered.

Sign up for our newsletter!

* indicates required

Katie, now a senior at the University of Texas, wasn’t surprised that her friends wanted to walk again in Betty’s memory in the Komen Race for the Cure in Austin this weekend. The event is becoming a tradition for several young women who considered Betty a mentor and role model.

“Mrs. Moore’s constant dedication to the people she loved always inspired me,” said Michelle McCloskey, who organized a group of LH grads attending UT and Texas A&M Universities to converge in Austin for last year’s race and to return for this year’s event. “She just loved people really well. I always felt welcomed walking into her home from the time I was in Kindergarten until college.”

“I loved her positive attitude,” agreed Megan Williams. “She always had something encouraging or joyful to say. I remember how she could make light of any situation. Her strength was so inspiring, and I can see that shining through Katie every day. “

“Betty was always the loudest one cheering on everyone, especially at Katie’s junior high volleyball games,” said Rachel Peters. “My favorite memory was when Katie decided to become a cheerleader. Betty was athletic – not very girly – so she was confused, but soon she became the biggest cheerleader for the cheerleader.”

Katie, Betty and Lainey Moore

Katie, Betty and Lainey Moore

“Mrs. Moore always greeted me with a smile and a big hug,” remembered Ashley Nelms. “She was there for so many people – her students, her daughters’ friends and her family. It means a lot to all of us to walk in her memory because she touched so many lives.”

Katie’s dad, John, still teaches technology at Lake Highlands High School, and her sister, Lainey, is now a teacher, too.

“I loved getting to talk about stories we remember of my mom,” said Katie after the race. “She would have been very proud for my friends to still be so close and to support me and her.”