Community remembers beloved Florence former councilwoman

FLORENCE, S.C. (WPDE) — Florence’s former councilwoman and beloved community member Pat Gibson Hye Moore died Thursday morning following a longtime illness.

Hye-Moore passed away at her home surrounded by her husband and loving family.

She served on Florence City Council for many years but decided not to seek re-election in November of 2022, due to health reasons.

On her very last day in office, the city released the following statement about Hye-Moore.

She continued to work in the community even during her illness helping families, and the homeless population and fighting for causes she believed in.

“Pat Gibson-Hye Moore grew up in New York City and attended John Jay College of Criminal Justice, receiving a degree in Criminal Justice and Psychology. Pat relocated to Florence, South Carolina in 1990, stepping into the next season of her life. She is now married to her soul mate, Kermit Ronnie Moore, and is a member of Mt. Zion A.M.E. Church where she serves as Chair of the Political Action Committee and is a member of the Gospel Choir. Before being elected to the City Council in 2016, she served on the Florence One School Board for eleven years and the Florence Housing Commission for nine years. She is the founder of the East Florence Community Organization and the founder of Hearts for the Homeless. She is the Co-founder of the Alliance for Youth, a Co-founder of the SC Pecan Music and Food Festival, a National Youth Sports Program Board Member, an Executive Committee member of the Florence County Democratic Party, the Co-chair for the Florence Christmas Parade, a General Manager of the Raging Storm traveling Teen Basketball team, an Executive Committee member of the NAACP, a voting member of the Florence Area Transportation (F.L.A.T.S.) Commission and was recently appointed by the Mayor of Florence to the City-County Conference Committee. Pat Gibson-Hye Moore has a reputation for being a community and political activist. She uses her voice to speak for the voiceless and believes that, in order to help change the world, one must first start by changing themselves. She is a true and dedicated public servant and thoroughly enjoys what she does and prays for strength to do even more.”

Hye-Moore’s dear friend, Betty Gregg, said she was a wonderful person and a great asset to Florence.

TRENDING: Darlington Co. mother begins New Year grieving the loss of her only two sons

Gregg is a community activist and often worked with Hye-Moore on many causes to better the community.

She said she’ll miss her longtime friend.

Florence County Democratic Party Chairman, Issac Wilson called Hye-Moore a fierce leader with a big heart to help people.

Wilson released the following statement on Hye-Moore’s death:

“It is with deep sorrow and a heavy heart that we mourn the passing of former City Councilwoman Pat Gibson Hye Moore. Her death marks the end of an era for Florence, but her incredible legacy will forever remain an indelible part of our community’s history. Pat Gibson Hye Moore was not just a public servant; she was a tireless advocate, a courageous leader, and a champion for justice and equality. Pat broke barriers and paved the way for future generations of leaders, especially women of color. Her unwavering dedication to the people she served was evident in every decision she made, every initiative she led, and every individual she uplifted. Throughout her career, Pat was a passionate voice for the most vulnerable in our community. She advocated for equitable access to resources, better opportunities for all, and a government that worked for the people—not the other way around. Her leadership on critical issues, from affordable housing and education to healthcare and public safety, has shaped Florence in profound and lasting ways. She was known for her integrity, her vision, and her ability to bring people together, even in the most challenging times. Beyond her work on the City Council, Pat was a mentor, a role model, and a fierce ally in the fight for social justice. Her commitment to service extended far beyond politics—she was deeply involved in countless community organizations, always striving to make Florence a better place for everyone, regardless of background or circumstance. While we mourn her loss, we also celebrate the remarkable life she lived and the many lives she touched. Pat’s legacy is one of progress, compassion, and resilience. She showed us that leadership is not just about holding office, but about serving others with dignity, respect, and an unwavering commitment to the greater good. On behalf of the Florence County Democratic Party, I extend my deepest condolences to Pat’s family, friends, and all who were privileged to know and work alongside her. We stand with them in this time of grief, knowing that Pat’s spirit will continue to inspire and guide us as we move forward. Pat Gibson Hye Moore leaves a lasting imprint on our hearts and on the city she loved. We will honor her memory by carrying forward the work she so passionately believed in, striving to create a brighter, more inclusive future for everyone in Florence County. Rest in peace, Pat. Your contributions will never be forgotten, and your legacy will continue to shape the path toward a better tomorrow.”

At this time, funeral arrangements are incomplete.