The Lord welcomed Jackie home on Saturday, May 7th, 2016, the day before her large family celebrated her on Mother’s Day, and a few days after celebrating her 58th Wedding Anniversary to Dick Morris.
She was born in Alachua, FL on March 5th, 1934 and was the first child of Reverend C.D. & Eula Harris. She graduated from High School in Ft. Meade, FL, and then attended Lee College in Cleveland, TN. While attending college she worked at Tennessee Music, and then after school worked in Tampa for the Church of God State Office.
She married Dick Morris on May 3rd, 1958 in Naples, FL. She was the devoted mother of the “5 R’s” – Ricky (Linda), Randy (Peggy), Rocky (Terri), Renee (Bill) and Ronnie (Susan). She was the doting Grandmother of 17, and Great-Grandmother of 5 with 2 more on the way!
She was an accomplished keyboardist and was the matriarch, administrator, seamstress, musician and quiet strength of The Singing Morris Family for many years. She continued to love to play until her Homegoing last Saturday.
She was afforded the opportunity to visit all the continents of the world with her husband, Dick, through his business ventures.
Jackie was the consummate hostess with an impeccable gift of hospitality, knowing how to make all feel at home in her presence, even to her last days.
The family is so grateful for the attentive care shown to her by the staff at Grand Villa Facility in Largo.
Since her childhood she has been a passionate follower of Jesus Christ and faithful servant in the Kingdom of God, and now her faith has “absolutely” turned to sight.
The services for Jackie are scheduled as follows: A viewing will be held on Friday night, May 13th from 6-8 p.m., with the Worship/Celebration service being held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday morning, May 14th, both of which are being held at Gulf Coast Church, 13301 Walsingham Road, Largo, FL 33774.
In lieu of flowers, everyone is encouraged to make contributions for the Legacy Project, which is a Life Skills Training Workshop at Casa Shalom Children’s Home in Guatemala. Together, Jackie and Dick raised 5 children to love God and live responsible and productive lives. Similarly, with your memorial gifts, her legacy will live on through the ministry of Casa Shalom as she continues to help children grow in Christ and learn valuable life skills. Checks can be made out to her home church, Gulf Coast Church and mailed to the address above. There is also a link on the church’s website for online giving. www.gulfcoastchurch.org
Proverbs 31:25-31 She is clothed with strength and dignity … 26 When she speaks, her words are wise and she gives instructions with kindness. 27 She carefully watches everything in her household and suffers nothing from laziness. 28 Her children stand and bless her. Her husband praises her: 29 “There are many virtuous and capable women in the world, but you surpass them all!” 30 Charm is deceptive, and beauty does not last; but a woman who fears the LORD will be greatly praised. 31 Reward her for all she has done. Let her deeds publicly declare her praise.
My deepest sympathy to the family. I knew Jackie in the fifties and always admired her. She is a beautiful and talented Lady and will be missed by all that know her. She is now with her heavenly family and rejoicing in the Lord”s presence.
Kim and I pray that the Morris family is comforted knowing the Bible says “to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord.” Your family has ministered to so many people, all over the Tampa Bay area. Now let us be a blessing to you.
We at Grand Villa of Largo will miss the pretty smile of Jackie Morris and her loving husband. We are blessed to have been a part of her family for the last few years.
Personally, I loved to see her eyes brighten when she saw her husband, Dick, as he visited her several times a week and enjoyed long lunches with her. She especially enjoyed it when Dick would play the piano for her and sing, it was like they were the only two in the room.
She will truly be missed by many.
Thinking of all you with my heart and remembering you in my prayers.
Moe Thomas
thinking of you Dick and our prayers are with you
Randy,
My heart goes out to you and your family. You have been a great help to me and I know your parents were a great influence in that. I remember you sharing a story about your mother. I am sorry I can not be there to assist with the service. And I know your surrounded by your VFC family. I will keep all of you in my prayers.
Jackie was a loved cousin and friend, with many fond memories of summers at Granny Harris’s getting into mischief. We loved her family and singing and playing and faithfulness to her Lord. Love, Nell
Sorry to hear of your loss! What a special lady! Our loss is heaven’s gain! Praying for the family to receive comfort from our Lord! We love your family so very much! God Bless You All!