Birth date: Dec 24, 1914 Death date: Oct 7, 2015
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Elsie Elizabeth Hicks Morris passed away peacefully at home on October 7th after being on this earth for almost 101 years. As a part of the "Greatest Generation" and having lived through the Great Depression she was a southern lady of great courage and determination. Elsie was born December 24, 1914 in Falco, Alabama to James Asbury and Buna Vista Hicks. Falco was a company lumber town (Florida-Alabama Company) that closed in 1917 and no longer exists. Her youth was spent in St. Petersburg, FL. The Great Depression forced a return to Mobile, AL where her father worked as a finishing carpenter and subsequently to Leakesville, MS where her eldest brother worked as the railroad depot manager and owned a small farm. She was there only a short time before entering nursing school at the University of Tennessee in Memphis. After graduation in 1937 she entered federal service with the Veterans Administration at Mountain Home in Johnson City, TN. She worked as Assistant Chief Nurse and Nursing Supervisor at Mountain Home for most of the next 58 years and was one of the longest working public servants in TN history. A marker at Mountain Home commemorates her compassionate and distinguished service. During her tenure she cared for soldiers, sailors, airmen and marines from the Indian Wars to Desert Storm. She met her husband Moody Morris in Johnson City and they were married in 1939. She and Moody became lifelong members of Central Baptist Church and graduated on the same day from East Tennessee State College in 1957 where she was a member of the Kappa Delta Pi Honor Society. After retirement she volunteered at the Hands On Children's Museum in Johnson City for several years. After a short illness she moved to Mississippi to help care for two of her grandchildren. Mrs. Morris was preceded in death by her husband of 50 years, Haywood Moody Morris of Albamarle, NC, her brothers Millard, Claude, and Athan, her sister Bertha and her grandchild Ann Catherine Morris. She is survived by her two sons Dr. Steven Morris and daughter-in-law Marcy Edmonds Morris of Knoxville, TN and James Morris and daughter-in-law Melanie Mitchell Morris of Madison, MS and grandchildren Sara Morris Ballard, Britain Morris, and Makenna Morris and great grandchildren Morris and Ann Catherine (Cate) Ballard. The graveside service for Mrs. Morris will be conducted on Sunday, October the 11th, 2015, at 2PM at Monte Vista Memorial Park. Dr. Tommy Hood will officiate. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the ALS Association, P O Box 6051, Albert Lea, MN 56007, or http://alsa.org/donate. Order Flowers Service DetailsSunday, October 11th, 2015 2:00pm, Monte Vista Memorial Park Interment DetailsMonte Vista Memorial ParkRead Obituary
Jimmy and family: How fondly I remember your mom - both as someone I knew before nursing, and as my supervisor and colleague at the VA for so many years. She was such a gracious woman, dedicated to her profession and to caring for our country's veterans. A wonderful role model for so many people. She continued to be remembered by many nurses at the VA long after her retirement. May you find comfort and peace during this difficult time.
A candle was lit by Appalachian Funeral Home & Cremation Service lit a memorial candle
on October 10, 2015 10:14 AM
We are so very sorry to hear of Elsie's passing. We remember her as such a sweet and kind lady and very much appreciate her time volunteering at Hands On! Museum. She always had a smile on her face. Our thoughts and prayers go out to her family during this time. ~The Staff of Hands On! Museum
I am so sorry that I am just now seeing this. She was my supervisor at the VA and I followed in her footsteps and am now a supervisor as well. So many times, many nurses have asked wonder where Mrs. Morris is. Just saying her name brings a smile to everyone's face. She was well respected, a fine lady and no one has been able to fill her shoes since she left. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
It was a blessing to have met and worked at the VAMC with Mrs. Morris. She always had a smile, was the greatest nurse and perfect role model. May God bless you and your family. My prayers and deepest condolences are with you. Shall the love of friends and family carry you through your grief. Shall your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together that bring you comfort as you celebrate a life well lived. As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.
