Kentucky Commission on the Deaf and Hard of Hearing executive director passes away
The executive director of the Kentucky Commission on the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, Virginia Moore known as VJ (61) who was a CODA, passed away last Saturday.
[shows the clip - credit to KCDHH]
She was well known for her involvement in planning for the famous annual Kentucky DeaFest. She became the main interpreter for Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear during the pandemic times and the pair was seen as the “dynamic duo.”
We will share information that is from Virginia’s obituary. Virginia passed away due to health complications after an extended stay at the hospital for her heart surgery and complications with her lungs and kidneys. Based on comments, her death was unexpected and the community in Kentucky is grieving.
Virginia was born and raised Kentuckian and was very passionate about inclusion and access for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing people. She was born in a large Deaf family and ASL was her first language. She had many accomplishments including holding the highest interpreter certificate, receiving numerous awards, and even being named the Kentucky Colonel which is considered as the highest title of honor that is given by the Governor of Kentucky. She even had two bobbleheads produced in her honor.
[shows photos - credit to National Bobblehead Museum & Lex18 News]
After the news broke about her passing, a lot of people including Deaf celebrities like Wawa Snipe, Sean Forbes, and Keith Brown, outpoured their memories and condolences about Virginia. The Kentucky Governor Beshear did make a video tribute and a public Facebook statement about how wonderful Virginia was. We will show you a screenshot and clip of his statement.
[shows video clip - credit to Governor Andy Beshear]
“I'm going to remember Virginia Moore, who has spent over a year and a half with me almost every single day, who beyond did everything for the public and was a really wonderful person who would check on me in difficult times. Virginia, we will miss you.”
[shows photo 5 - credit to Governor Andy Beshear]
We included a link in the transcript below if you also want to watch his two minutes video tribute. We asked KCDHH for their direct statement and here is what they said.
“Virginia was a true ally and advocate for the Deaf community. Her passion for the community came from a place of love, honor, and respect.”
Based on the obituary, Virginia leaves behind her loving spouse and remaining siblings. She also leaves behind her 20 nieces and nephews and 12 great-nieces and nephews many of them are Deaf. There will be a memorial service on Sunday, June 11th from 1pm to 5pm EST. The link to the full obituary including the memorial service information is posted in the transcript below.
I personally met her during the famous Kentucky DeaFest and I had a great time getting to know her. She really was the type of person that got the job done and cared for the Deaf community so much. She will be missed by many. We, the Daily Moth, send our condolences to the Deaf community in Kentucky, KCDHH, Virginia’s friends and family, and those who were deeply impacted by her death.
Obituary and memorial service info: https://www.scottfuneralhome.com/obituary/VirginiaL-Moore?fbclid=IwAR1oa6C7lWeaDfiUdguKjOu9G6ZZaApsm_cX0S_jNRc-0ByqxH0TwpzewOU
Governor’s message: https://fb.watch/ksHbTmU-29/
KCDHH’s message: https://fb.watch/ksHdLfZykn/