Ann Morris' Obituary
Ann Ward Norton Morris, born January 15, 1936 went to be with the Lord on Wednesday, August 17, 2016 at the age of 80. She was preceded in death by her mother and father, Jane Pilkington Norton and Ed Ward Norton of Joiner, AR. She graduated Humes High School in 1953 in the same class with Elvis Presley and George Klein. Two days after graduation she married William N. “Bill” Morris on June 6, 1953. She and Bill are proud of their four children, Jeff Morris (Valerie), William N. “Trey” Morris (Vicki), Jane Stephens (Mark), and John Morris (Dr. Denise) and their nine grandchildren and eleven great grandchildren. She is survived by a brother, John M. Norton and an aunt, Mary Dusenbery, several cousins and a nephew. After family, Ann loved and was active as a faithful church member her entire life; she particularly enjoyed Sunday school where she taught and attended. While early years were very challenging she never complained and did what was needed to support her family including working at night. She was a member of the PTA and other school organizations to support her children; the Girl Scouts for Jane and as a Cub Scout den mother for her three boys. Ann was a supporting partner of her husband in the Jaycees, Boy Scouts of America, St. Jude’s, Lions Club, Easter Seal Society and many others, but was especially important to Bill’s political career as Sheriff and Mayor of Shelby County. Even while her life was very busy she decided to follow her passion and went to Methodist Nursing school and became a LPN. She used that knowledge to minister to the elderly in various nursing homes. She used her influence to help create many programs in the Shelby County Sheriff’s office and Mayor’s office such as Free the Children, PAIN (Parents Against Illegal Narcotics) and programs for the mentally ill and many others. Ann loved the simple life of home, gardening, helped build the family farm, playing golf with other couples, painting on canvas, fishing and hunting with friends, and yes she was an aggressive 4-wheeler rider. Ann was just as comfortable visiting the White House or Governor’s Mansion and greeting ambassadors of various countries when traveling with Memphis in May or the Governor’s economic development council to countries all over the world. Her warm smile and down home southern voice made many friends from Russia to China, Australia, Kenya and Scotland. Her involvement came to an end on August 13, 1997 when she suffered a major crippling stroke that took her speech and mobility. Married to Bill for 63 years, she spent the last 19 years handicapped physically but her grit and faith has been like a beacon to all who have been near her as a shining example of a great lady. All who have known her and watched as she tried to make the most of her condition have been amazed at her perseverance to live her life to its fullest. Indeed God must be pleased and her family has suffered a huge loss. Visitation will be held Sunday, August 21st from 3 to 6 pm at Memorial Park Funeral Home on Poplar. Services and a Life Celebration and remembrances will be at First Evangelical Church on Monday, August 22nd at 12:00. A short visitation will start at 11:00 prior to the service. ln lieu of flowers, memorial suggestions are St Jude Children’s Hospital, Church Health Center or First Evangelical Church. Funeral arrangements have been trusted to Memorial Park Funeral Home and Cemetery, 5668 Poplar Ave. Memphis, TN 38119, “Celebrating Life Behind the Stone Wall”.
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