A Celebration of Life service for Nancy Morris, 66, of Jefferson was held Wednesday, Sept. 6, at the First United Methodist Church in Jefferson. Dr David Ohrt of Jefferson offered words of comfort, and Deenie Schuchert gave the eulogy. Burial will take place at a later date at the Jefferson Municipal Cemetery.
Nancy D’Ann Morris passed away on Sept. 1, 2017, after a valiant fight against terminal cancer.
Nancy was born Feb. 23, 1951, to Kenneth and Helen Jean Morris, making a dramatic entrance as the family was in the middle of a move from Stringtown to Clearfield on that very day. Nancy grew up in Clearfield alongside three siblings, Lewis, Janie and Todd. She was a devoted daughter, conservative high school cheerleader (think knee-length skirt, Jackie-O style) and moved to the Windy City in 1969, after marrying Terry Brown of Clearfield. In Chicago, Nancy worked as a dental assistant until the couple moved to Jefferson, where they raised four sons – Brandon, Dominic, Tristan and Rhett.
In between endless loads of laundry and cooking elaborate meals, Nancy enjoyed starting collections – of everything. From Precious Moments, to Beanie Babies to Snow Village, whatever was the “it” item of the time, Nancy started a collection. There are now tubs upon tubs of stuff her sons get to sort through since she’s passed but don’t worry, if you knew Nancy, you know she already instructed them on how she wanted it done.
Many years of family memories were made at the Lake of the Ozarks where Trivial Pursuit matches, occasional tattoos, porch karaoke and coving out in the boat reigned supreme for more than 15 years.
Later in life, Nancy fell in love all over again with her seven grandchildren. Aside from being “Gram,” her other passions included quilting, chocolate, gardening, ice cream, bossing others around, traveling (while complaining how much she hated packing), and she adored shamrocks, anything green and the movie Lonesome Dove.
Nancy always had a great sense of humor and was always making others laugh. That’s the spirit this woman, mother, daughter, sister, crazy fun aunt and loyal friend to countless people sprinkled throughout her life.
Nancy would like to thank Dr Matthew Hill, her nurse Linda Smith, her hospice nurse Molly, the rest of the hospital staff, and Dr David Ohrt for their compassionate advice, care and help over the last year.
Survivors include sons Brandon Morris (Angela) Brown of Oskaloosa, KS, Dominic Drew Brown (and special friend Maryna Jennings) of Cedar Falls, Tristan Marshall (Jenni) Brown of Roswell, GA, and Rhett Matthew Brown of Jefferson; grandchildren Jacob McCowan (b. 1998), Alivia Lynn (b. 2004), Mara Jo (b. 2009), Ella Marie (b. 2010), Becca Kathryn (b. 2011), Wilson Drew (b. 2011), MacKenna Lynn (b. 2012); siblings, Lewis, Janie, and Todd; extended family members; and friends that are all raising a few middle fingers to cancer that tends to steal joy.
Today, Nancy is most likely looking down, enjoying a Gin Rickey (probably sharing it with her dad but hiding it from her mother!) while we are left celebrating our time with her. It’s important to remember that while someone may no longer be among us on earth, our relationship with them can still exist and carry on. We will miss you something terrible but know you are at peace.
“It’s been quite a party, ain’t it?”
– Captain Augustus McCray to Captain Woodrow McCall, Lonesome Dove
Memorials are suggested to the Sierra Community Theatre.
The family is assisted by Slininger-Schroeder Funeral Home of Jefferson.
