Ethel Lillian Morris, 101, of Morganton, NC, passed away peacefully Tuesday, February 11, 2025, while surrounded by her family.
Born in Lee County, SC on August 28, 1923, she was the daughter of the late Grover C. Houck and Josie Fields Houck. After finishing school, she later moved to Morganton to begin her career in textiles which included over 35 years and retirement with Shadowline Inc. It was in Morganton that she met her husband, Vernon. They married in 1945 as World War II ended, a wonderful marriage that lasted 53 years. Ethel was a devoted member of First Baptist Church in Morganton and served on numerous church committees. One of her greatest passions was traveling. After retiring Ethel enjoyed traveling to several countries, and doing volunteer work. She had a love for discovering new places and cultures. In addition to her love for travel, Ethel was an incredibly talented artisan. She spent countless hours creating exquisite porcelain dolls, and she took great joy in sewing beautiful clothing for them.
Those left to cherish her memory include her daughter, Patricia Morris Lennon (Bill); granddaughter, Margaret Lennon Mangol (Kelly); and a number of nieces, nephews, and extended family.
In addition to her parents, Ethel was preceded in death by her husband, Charles Vernon Morris; siblings, Robert Houck (Hilda), Willie Houck (Mildred), Tillman Houck (Marie), Faye Watson (Poovey), and Josephine Orders (Raymond); and sisters-in-law, Lillian Morris Crisp (Bud) and Evelyn Morris Wakefield (Mack).
The family will receive friends from 12 to 1 p.m., Monday, February 17, 2025 at First Baptist Church. The funeral will be held at 1 p.m. in the church sanctuary with Dr. Thomas A. Bland, Jr. with Rev. Mike Johnson, and Rev. Fred Schuszler officiating. Entombment will follow in Burke Memorial Park Mausoleum.
Memorial contributions may be made to the First Baptist Church (firstbaptistmorganton.org) or to Amorem Hospice (amoremsupport.org/donate).
Sossoman Funeral Home and Crematory Center is assisting the family with the arrangements.
Visitation
Feb. 17, 2025
noon - 1 p.m.
First Baptist Church Morganton
Service
Feb. 17, 2025
1 p.m.
First Baptist Church Morganton
Committal
Feb. 17, 2025
Burke Memorial Park
Born in Lee County, SC on August 28, 1923, she was the daughter of the late Grover C. Houck and Josie Fields Houck. After finishing school, she later moved to Morganton to begin her career in textiles which included over 35 years and retirement with Shadowline Inc. It was in Morganton that she met her husband, Vernon. They married in 1945 as World War II ended, a wonderful marriage that lasted 53 years. Ethel was a devoted member of First Baptist Church in Morganton and served on numerous church committees. One of her greatest passions was traveling. After retiring Ethel enjoyed traveling to several countries, and doing volunteer work. She had a love for discovering new places and cultures. In addition to her love for travel, Ethel was an incredibly talented artisan. She spent countless hours creating exquisite porcelain dolls, and she took great joy in sewing beautiful clothing for them.
Those left to cherish her memory include her daughter, Patricia Morris Lennon (Bill); granddaughter, Margaret Lennon Mangol (Kelly); and a number of nieces, nephews, and extended family.
In addition to her parents, Ethel was preceded in death by her husband, Charles Vernon Morris; siblings, Robert Houck (Hilda), Willie Houck (Mildred), Tillman Houck (Marie), Faye Watson (Poovey), and Josephine Orders (Raymond); and sisters-in-law, Lillian Morris Crisp (Bud) and Evelyn Morris Wakefield (Mack).
The family will receive friends from 12 to 1 p.m., Monday, February 17, 2025 at First Baptist Church. The funeral will be held at 1 p.m. in the church sanctuary with Dr. Thomas A. Bland, Jr. with Rev. Mike Johnson, and Rev. Fred Schuszler officiating. Entombment will follow in Burke Memorial Park Mausoleum.
Memorial contributions may be made to the First Baptist Church (firstbaptistmorganton.org) or to Amorem Hospice (amoremsupport.org/donate).
Sossoman Funeral Home and Crematory Center is assisting the family with the arrangements.
Visitation
Feb. 17, 2025
noon - 1 p.m.
First Baptist Church Morganton
Service
Feb. 17, 2025
1 p.m.
First Baptist Church Morganton
Committal
Feb. 17, 2025
Burke Memorial Park
Tribute Wall
Leave a tribute for Ethel Lillian Morris.
—Anonymous
Ethel was a lovely and talented lady. We truly enjoyed knowing her. Our thoughts and prayers are with her family.
—Ron and Annelle Mulwee
Bill and family and friends, May our loving Lord grant you a special peace as you navigate the grieving process. The well written obituary would indicate that heaven has gained a real saint. Love you!
—Wayne Giese
Sorry to hear of the passing of Ethel she was such a joy to work with at shadowline prayers for her family
—Gary Brown
So sorry for your loss.
—James Belote