Gloria Morris

Gloria Ruth (Thompson) Morris, age 89, passed away on March 9, 2016, surrounded by her loving family, at her daughter’s home. She fell on February 10 and broke her hip; suffered a stroke during or after surgery and was unable to recover from it.

Gloria was born on July 20, 1926 to Gaylord and Grace (Johns) Thompson in Hartford, Michigan. She and her sister Joann (deceased) spent many wonderful childhood hours playing with paperdolls, roller and ice skating, sledding, selling peaches for their father, and gardening. She spent many hours writing and editing and finished her own novel, a mystery which imitated her heroine, Nancy Drew.

She met and married her childhood sweetheart, George (Sonny) Morris in her hometown which lasted for 62 years. They loved to dance with all the young people at the Crystal Palace in Coloma to the Big Band era music of Tommy Dorsey, Gene Krupa, Harry James and Glenn Miller. Swimming, watching Sonny play sports, music and theatre were enjoyed during those times, too.

Gloria graduated from WMU with a BS degree in science and a minor in home-economics and taught junior high students in Vicksburg, MI for several years before making the transition to being a full-time homemaker and raising her three daughters and substitute teaching when they were older.

She was an avid reader, accomplished pianist, loved observing nature on her many walks, dancing, classical music, singing, making clothes for herself and dresses and recital clothes for her daughters, was a wonderful cook, and enjoyed immensely “the art of conversation.”

Gloria was preceded in death by her parents, beloved husband in 2010, and sister in 2014. Her remaining family include her daughters: Karen Belinger (Mark), Sandra (Rodney) Ackerman, Nancy Ulanski. Grandchildren: Amy Ackerman, Adam (Kristen) Ackerman, Anna (Andrew) Rosko, Allison Ackerman and Audrey Ackerman. Michael (Anne) Ulanski, Christopher Ulanski and Emily Ulanski. Great grandchildren: Zane and August Ackerman, Alexander and Roddy Rosko. Niece: Gayl Dennany and Nephew Roger(Sue) Athey. Great nephew: Charles (Kathy) Dennany and great niece: Jessica Athey.

Gloria will be laid to rest at the Vicksburg Cemetery on Saturday, March 12 next to her husband in a private graveside ceremony.

She will be greatly missed by her family but Heaven is rejoicing in her homegoing. The family is being assisted by the Life Story Funeral Home, 409 S. Main, Vicksburg (269-649-1697).