Longtime TV news anchor Jovita Moore died Thursday night, October 28, 2021, at 53 after her seven month battle with an aggressive form of brain cancer, WSB announced on Friday morning, October 29, 2021.
Jovita had been with Channel 2 Action News since 1998. She is survived by her mother, her two wonderful children and stepdaughter, who she called the most important accomplishments of her life.
The WSB veteran anchor underwent surgery in April days after doctors discovered the mases. The tumors were a cancer called glioblastoma. Glioblastoma is an aggressive brain cancer and doctors say, at this time, there is no cure, only treatments to slow it down.
Jovita was treated at Emory University Hospital. “As a neurosurgeon, we like to pride ourselves with our skills and what we can do with our hands. (Glioblastoma) is not something I can cure with surgery alone. The reason for that is that gliomas, and glioblastoma in particularly, have these tentacles that go beyond the lesions that we can see on a scan and beyond what we can see with our operating microscopes,” her neurosurgeon, Dr. Edjah Nduom told WSB. Nduom says glioblastoma, which is the most common type of brain cancer, is not hereditary and has nothing to do with a patient’s diet or lifestyle.
In 2017, The National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences Southeast Chapter honored Jovita with one of its most prestigious career awards, the induction into the Silver Circle. Jovita was a member of the Atlanta Association of Black Journalists and the National Association of Black Journalists. She was a member of Leadership Atlanta’s Class of 2007, and a member of Outstanding Atlanta’s Class of 2004. She was featured on the 2007 list of 40 Under 40 by Georgia Trend Magazine, and was selected as one of Jezebel magazine’s 50 Most Beautiful. Jovita also received several Emmy Awards during her years at WSB-TV.
Moore was a “Georgia icon and world-class journalist,” Governor Kemp wrote on Twitter, adding “She will live on in the hearts of everyone who welcomed Jovita into their homes countless times to inform them about their community and keep them and their families safe. Her professionalism and dedication to her audience made Georgia a better place. It has been a true honor and pleasure knowing and working with her.”
Bernice King, the daughter of Martin Luther King Jr. dedicated several posts on Twitter to the news anchor. “I will miss you, Jovita. Rest, sister. She was a tremendous blessing to metro Atlanta and the world, but her family was most precious to her. Praying for those closest to her, including her beloved WSB community.”
Filmmaker Tyler Perry wrote on twitter, “We know you fought with all you had! I will miss your beautiful smile and warm laughter, let alone seeing you in my living room every day. You will be missed greatly my friend.”
Jovita Moore was known for her love of family and community. She will be truly missed by many. We wish continued strength and healing for Jovita’s family, colleagues and viewers.
