Teresa D. Moore, founder of Adopt-A-Child Size, dies at 86

By Valerie L. Myers, PhD
Her daughter
“It’s better to wear out than to rust out,” is a motto that guided Teresa Moore’s lifelong passion for serving others.
Moore punctuated her career in social work by founding Adopt-A-Child Size & Support Services in 1986, as a service activity before she transitioned to early retirement from Wayne County Regional Educational Service Agency (RESA) in 1993.
Moore incorporated Adopt-A-Child Size in 1997, and under her 33 years of leadership, the organization, its volunteers, and donors have provided clothing, books, and toys for over 15,000 children and families in Southeast Michigan.
When Moore’s declining health compelled her to dissolve the non-profit, WDIV featured her and local volunteers distributing the last donations in November 2019 – just before the COVID-19 pandemic.
Teresa Elmerlene David was born March 8, 1936, in Cynthiana, Kentucky, the second of three children born to Rev. Elmer O. David and Mrs. Vivian E. (Fletcher) David. Her parents, both educators, immersed the family in an array of community service activities, which illuminated Teresa’s career path.
While attending Ohio State University, Teresa pledged Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc., sang in the choir, and was introduced to her future husband, Frederick Myers, who was a student at the University of Michigan.
After earning her bachelor’s degree in Social Work (1958), romance, friends, and career opportunities lured Teresa to Michigan, where she served as a case worker for Michigan Girls Training School (Adrian), the State of Michigan’s Medical Assistance Program (Detroit), and Florence Crittendon Maternity Home (Detroit).
Frederick and Teresa wed in 1959, raised two daughters in Westland, and were members of Smith Chapel A.M.E. church. Teresa Myers’ career progressed as she went to work for the Western Wayne County YWCA, serving as a Family Service Worker, then Program Director. During her ten-year tenure, Teresa Myers organized numerous community outreach and cultural enrichment programs, especially for teens of Dearborn, Westwood, and Inkster school districts such as Y-teens, camping, “parties at the Y,” a community theater group, and assistance for unwed teen mothers.
Nearing life’s midpoint, Teresa pursued new directions. She continued her education, divorced, and became a single mother, and devoted herself to co-founding the Lynem Family Reunion, a national gathering that has endured for 40+ years.
Upon earning her graduate degree in Social Work from the University of Michigan, Teresa went to work for Wayne County Regional Educational Service Agency (R.E.S.A.), where she held positions including Director of Student Staff Relations, Director of Human Resources, Supervisor of Family Services Staff, Family Service Director, and Social Worker for Head Start Programs. Teresa’s responsibilities included supervising family service teams in health, nutrition, special needs, mental health, and social services; protecting the rights and welfare of students and staff; directing operations; and monitoring and ensuring compliance with federal and state regulations for early childhood education.
A co-worker at R.E.S.A. introduced Teresa to Harvey Moore, and the couple married in 1988. Harvey vigorously supported her efforts with Adopt-A-Child Size in the community and through their congregation, Trinity Episcopal Church in Belleville. Beyond social work, Teresa enjoyed watching football, baking, playing the piano, reading, and travel.
Teresa D. Moore, M.S.W. held positions of influence and earned numerous awards throughout her 61-year career. She served as president and member of the Child Abuse Prevention Council (Inkster); a board member of: Partners for a Healthy Community (Wayne), and Sumpter Township’s Community Addressing Neighborhood Needs and Progressive Civic League. Teresa was also a member of the Wayne County Regional Educational Service Agency Human Rights Committee, Downriver Guidance Head Start Policy Committee, and Wayne County Protocol Committee.
In recognition of her expertise and dedication, Teresa received awards from the State of Michigan House of Representatives, Service to Children; R.E.S.A., Outstanding Corporation Leadership and Support; Child Abuse Prevention Council, Service to Children Award; Michigan Head Start, Blue Cross Blue Shield – Caring for Children Award, Wayne County Commission Service Award, Sumpter Progressive Civic League Award, Rotarian Service Award, Lafayette Allen Community Service Award, Baylor-Woodson Certificate of Appreciation, and Adopt-A-Child-Size and Support Services Board, Lifetime of Service Award, and Mother of the Year from Smith Chapel A.M.E. Church.
Teresa D. Moore, a beloved wife, mother, family member, neighbor, and friend, peacefully passed away Saturday, September 24, 2022, at the University of Michigan Hospital, due to heart failure. Teresa is survived by her daughters Valerie L. Myers and Erica E. Myers, sister Marilyn (David) Wash, Aunt Eloise (Peak) David, a host of cousins, nieces, nephews, in-laws, bonus grandchildren, sorority sisters, friends, and former colleagues. Teresa was preceded in death by her parents, Rev. Elmer O. and Vivian E. David, brother Baldwin G. David, husband Harvey Moore, and former husband Frederick Myers. A memorial will be held to honor her in the spring of 2023, with details posted on Michigan Memorial Funeral Home’s web site. Contact: https://mimemorial.com/funeral-home or (734) 264-6517.