Cassandra McBride Moore died on February 2, 2024, at the Johnson City Medical Center.

Cassandra is survived by her husband Gary Gerhart, her daughter and son-in law Samona and Craig McMillan, granddaughters Sabryna McMillan (Nick Tallarico) and Skylar McMillan. She is also survived by her sister Diana, sister and brother-in-law Susan and Ray Young, Aunt Dorothy Dabbs, aunts by marriage Mary Dabbs and Barbara Dabbs, and countless cousins. Also, very dear to her was her sister of the heart Vicki Sorrell.
She will also be missed by her special pets Mr. Vance and Lancelot.

Cassandra, known also as Kissy by family and friends, Cass, or Cassie by her work colleagues, was born on February 24, 1953, in Tallahassee, Florida. One of the family stories is that when her parents were bringing her home from the hospital, for some reason, they had a pig in the car with them. Her sister Diana thought that was why Kissy liked Piglet the best of all the Winnie the Pooh characters based on that early memory.
Cassandra was the oldest of the three daughters of Carolyn McBride Dabbs Moore and Richter Hermann Moore, Jr. She attended University School where she was active in numerous clubs, was a cheerleader, and Homecoming Queen, and worked as a Candy Striper at the hospital. She continued her education at East Tennessee State University where she graduated with a B.S. in Nursing. She completed further education at the University of Virginia.

Cassandra was a nurse for over 40 years. She started at Memorial Hospital in Johnson City (the building which became Asbury Place and where her grandmother lived for many years). She worked at the Johnson City Medical Center in the step-down unit from Intensive Care, in home health, and in special procedures. Cassandra was known as a “good stick,” a nurse that could get an IV in a patient with no trouble and no pain. She was often called on to help with pediatric patients because of her skills and caring manner.

Cassandra married Gary Gerhart in 1983 and they recently celebrated their 40th anniversary. She and Gary followed in the tradition of her parents and were known for their hospitality to storytellers during the National Storytelling Festival.

She served in the Army Reserves and was on active duty in the Gulf War Theater during Desert Storm. She retired as a Major.
Cassandra was a talented actor and performed with the Jonesborough Repertory Theatre, Johnson City Community Theatre, Olde West Dinner Theatre, and other acting troupes. She performed in two plays with her daughter Samona. She also performed in several plays with her husband Gary including in the original production “I Am Home” at the McKinney Center in Jonesborough and in the “The Night of January 16” which was staged in a courtroom in the Jonesborough Courthouse. Cassandra’s parents were both talented actors who met at the theater department at the University of South Carolina.

Cassandra was incredibly proud of her daughter Samona, her son-in-law Craig McMillan, and her two granddaughters Sabryna and Skylar. She was in awe of their talents, of their care for others, and was grateful for their love for her. Her regret during the last years of her life was that her failing health and her depression did not allow her to be more active in their lives.

Cassandra was a member of the Jonesborough Presbyterian Church and served as an elder. She was also a member of the Shubert Club as was her mother.

The family is grateful for all the nurses and doctors who took care of Cassandra while she was in the Intensive Care Unit.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be given to the Johnson City Animal Shelter or to the Jonesborough Presbyterian Church.

A Celebration of Life service will be held on Saturday, February 24, 2024, at the Jonesborough Presbyterian Church with the Rev. Allen Huff officiating. Visitation will be from 1-2 and the service will begin at 2:00.