Moore, Martha Dean (McKinney)
Peacefully passed away in her home on Monday, November 9, 2009 in Sacramento, California. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband Billie M. (Tiny) Moore, parents Dewey and Margaret McKinney,sister Helen V. Ridge and her loving son-in-law William (Skip) Van Vliet. She is survived by her children: daughters Debra M. Moore and Kimberly Van Vliet of Sacramento, son Richard D. Moore, wife Patti and
their sons Jarod and Danny of Auburn, California. She also leaves her sister and singing partner Evelyn and her daughter Billie (Jaki)Wills, of North Highlands, California.
Dean and her sister Evelyn were known professionally as the McKinney Sisters and began singing on radio station WBRC in Birmingham, Alabama when Dean was 14 and Evelyn was 12 years old. During their early career they were also known as “The Jim Dandy Sweethearts,” “The Song Twins,” “The Double Cola Twins” and “The Coeds.” They appeared with the Sons of the Pioneers and on the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville, Tennessee with Eddie Arnold and Eddy Peabody, the Banjo King. After working in Chicago with the Ted Weems Orchestra they were contacted by Bob Wills and His Texas Playboys. Their first work with Bob Wills was an ABC radio program and to participate in a musical short film for Universal Studios. A long and successful career with Bob Wills resulted in classic recordings for MGM, Columbia and The Tiffany Transcriptions. During this time Dean met her husband and musical collaborator Tiny Moore, who played the electric mandolin and fiddle as one of The Playboys. Dean and Tiny settled in Sacramento and Tiny managed the Wills Point Ballroom on Auburn Boulevard. Western Swing Music was the attraction for dances and concerts held at the Ballroom with Tiny’s band that included Evelyn’s husband, Billy Jack Wills.
Fulfilling the needs of their faith in God, Dean and Tiny were among the founding members of the First Baptist Church of Carmichael. Dean and Evelyn shared their love of faith and music by frequently ministering to the congregation with songs of praise. Two LP’s of sacred music were produced: “Softly and Tenderly” and “Heaven’s Harmony.” Dean was an unwavering presence in her children’s lives and was active in Parent Teacher Associations throughout their early school years. She enthusiastically supported every activity that interested her children. She was a wonderful cook and she and Tiny entertained often with lavish dinners for friends and family. They performed as a duo frequently joined by their daughter Kimberly and
were constantly in demand to appear at concerts and private gatherings.
After Tiny’s death in 1987 Dean became active in the Sacramento Western Swing Society, serving as their President for many years. During this time Dean traveled extensively and continued to sing with Evelyn at musical festivals across the United States to show case the unique style of music known as “Western Swing.”
Her children will remember her as an example of strength of character and wisdom, unfailing support and abiding love. She will be remembered by all for her talent, her grace, her kindness and her sweet humor. Martha Dean Moore was in all situations an impeccable lady.
Services will be held on Friday, November 20, 2009, at 2:00 pm at the East Lawn Mortuary located at 5757 Greenback Lane, Sacramento, California, 95841.Read More
