Shirley Jane Morris

Shirley Jane Ridgeway Morris, Kissimmee, FL, was born on January 8, 1936 in Cheswold, Delaware. Shirley was the loving daughter of the late Viola Vivian and Leroy Ridgeway Sr., of Cheswold, Delaware. Shirley was the first of five children, raised in Dover and Smyrna, Delaware. She attended Booker T. Washington School, grades one through ten. Shirley knew she had a talent for art at an early age, but as fate would have it, her education and artistic dreams were postponed for family obligations. In 1953, Shirley married William Morris, moved to Brooklyn, NY in 1959, where her children were raised. Shirley resumed her educaiton on her 50th birthday and received her G.E.D.. In 1991, Shirley attended N.Y.C. Technical College, where she received as Associate in Applied Science Degree in Art & Advertising. "It's never too late!" she said. She expressed her love of art through her creativity, which had been suppressed for so long. In 1995, Shirley relocated to Kissimmee, FL. She was a legacy and inspiration to her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, sisters, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. They were truly, by far, the number one admirers of her achievements and her creative landscape paintings. Shirley loved her family and friends and enjoyed being with each and everyone of them. Shirley had a joy for life and people, and she always made others feel loved and special. She is survived by her loving Sister and Best Friend, Grace Jackson of Kissimmee, FL; her Children: Patricia Lorraine Jones (Dan) of Dover, DE, William Edward Morris Jr. of Kissimmee, FL, Shirley Jane Brown (Carlton) of California, MD, Darlene Elizabeth Morris of CA, Zona Celeste Holloman (Tim) of Dover, DE and Florence Amanda Brandon (Samual) of Kissimmee, FL; her Grandchildren: Henry Morris, Antoine Morris, Shanika Sanchez, Lorraine Trader, Delawrence Morris, Keesha Jones, Khadijah Chapman, Amanda Brown, Dan Jones, Anthony Settle Jr., Alysa Tosson, Zonisha Shaw, Terrance Brandon, Michael Morris (Mother, Mildred Walker), Tatyanna and Tynise Brandon, Landon and LaShell Morris; Also survivded by 37 Great-grandchildren, Nieces: Dolly Clark & Renita Ridgeway; Nephews: Leroy Evans & James Ridgeway (Sonny); Cousins: Walter Ridgeway, Charles (Howie) & Cissy Carey and a multitude of other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her Children: Joseph, Viola, Lillian and Lavant Morris; Husband: William Edward Morris; Brother: Leroy Ridgeway Jr.; Sisters: Phyllis Brown & Frances Jones; Grandson: Ronald Morris. Shirley was an active member of Christian Family Worship Center, Pastor Jerry Q. Parries & Co-Pastor Eunice Parries. Shirley was known as Mother Morris in the church. Funeral services will be held at at Osceola Memory Gardens at 6:00pm on Wednesday, October 2nd, with Pastor Jerry Q. Parries officiating.

Shirley Jane Morris

January 8, 1936 - September 27, 2013