Moore, Olivia Smith

Olivia Smith Moore (Missouri Alpha) led a life of dedicated service to Pi Beta Phi and her community.

Olivia attended the University of Missouri, where she served as president of Missouri Alpha Chapter, was a member of Phi Beta Kappa, and graduated summa cum laude. As an alumna, Olivia continued her dedication to Pi Beta Phi, serving as Province Vice President from 1936 to 1946, Treasurer of the Settlement School Committee from 1946 to 1951, and Grand Treasurer from 1952 to 1967. She was named Grand Treasurer Emerita at the 1967 Convention. She also held a seat on the Arrowmont Board of Governors and was involved with the Texarkana Alumnae Club. Olivia stayed involved with Missouri Alpha Chapter too. She spoke at the chapter’s 75th anniversary event in 1974, even though she had broken her ankle the previous week! 

Olivia was not only a leader in Pi Beta Phi but also in her community. After graduating from the University of Missouri, Olivia moved back to her home state of Texas and married Henry Moore Jr. During her time in Texarkana, Texas, she helped found the Junior League chapter there. Olivia worked to have her home, the Ace of Clubs, named to the National Register of Historic Places in 1976. Upon her death, the house was donated to Texarkana Museum Systems. 

Olivia was known for her love of shoes. Olivia would bring a suitcase full of shoes—as many as 40 pairs—to Pi Beta Phi Conventions and display them for members to admire. Later, the Silver Slipper Award, given to an outstanding chapter Vice President of Finance, was presented in Olivia's honor. The sterling silver award was a replica of one of her shoes until it had to be retired. Olivia passed away on June 23, 1985.