"In 1968 my family and I had just moved from San Antonio, Texas to Grosse Pointe, Michigan. We moved across the street from the Morrisons. Being in 11th grade and needing a ride to school I was invited to ride along with Mrs Morrison and her son Gary. Every morning for a year and a half she dropped us off at high school before she headed to her 3rd grade class. In 1970 I went off to college. During that year I came home to visit my parents and invited Nancy to go to a movie Saturday night. While waiting for her, I had the conversation with Mrs. Morrison that would change my life. She asked me how was college and what major I had chosen. I told her I was not sure and I had time to figure it out before next year. She said that she had known me for over two years and thought that I would be a very good teacher. She had seen how I interacted with my younger brothers and sisters and I should pursue a major in education . I had never consider the field but her confidence in me changed my life. I went on to get a degree in elementary education like Mrs Morrison. I credit her for changing my focus and spending thirty - five years pursuing a career that I love. I have repeated this story many times and had the pleasure to tell Mrs. Morrison in person a few years ago while Gary and I visited her in San Antonio. In my many years working with children I always said that we can impact change, one person at a time. Mrs Norma Morrison not only changed my life but I think of all those years that she impacted her family, friends and those lucky third grade students. I am so thankful for that Saturday night conversation. It only lasted two minutes but it changed my life forever. I forget the movie Nancy and I saw but I will never forget Mrs. M advise, " do what you love." That's why she was a great teacher and a fantastic person. Thank You Mrs M, Jeff Squires Austin, Texas"
In loving memory of
Norma Elizabeth Morrison
November 22, 1927 - November 17, 2019
Norma Elizabeth Morrison went home to be with her Lord on November 17, 2019 in San Antonio, Texas, surrounded by her loving family, just shy of her 92nd birthday. Norma was born November 22, 1927 in Webster, Iowa in the family farmhouse.
With a lifelong focus on education, she received her Bachelor's and Master's degrees in Education and was active in the Delta Kappa Gamma sorority. She retired from Grosse Pointe Public Schools in Grosse Pointe, Michigan after twenty-nine years in elementary education. She dedicated her efforts both in and out of the classroom to the overall betterment of her many students.
Norma was preceded in death by her parents Mahlon and Leona Higgins, and her late husband Kenneth (Ken) Morrison to whom she was married for sixty-five years. Norma is survived by her two children, Gary Morrison of Temple, Texas and Nancy (Brad) Houck of San Antonio, Texas. She also had four grandchildren: Daniel Morrison, Lindsay (Joe) Warnock, Justin and Kristin Houck, along with one great grandchild, Brooklyn Morrison.
In her retirement, Norma and Ken enjoyed traveling, both domestic and foreign by land, sea and air. Norma was very involved in church activities, enjoyed playing golf, bridge and spending time with special friends. Norma was a PEO 50-year Gold member and affiliated with PEO Chapters in Michigan, Florida and Texas. Among her fondest memories were the years spent in their summer home at Clifford Lake in Greenville, Michigan. There, they enjoyed hosting special visits with family and friends, complete with cookouts and lake activities.
Norma was a loving daughter, wife, mother and grandmother who dedicated her life to family and friends. She will be deeply missed and remembered with love and affection by all who knew her.
Celebration of Life Service will be held 12:30 pm on Saturday, November 23, 2019 at the Powell Funeral Home in North English. Burial will be in the Sorden Cemetery, near Webster. Visitation will be held from 11:30 am until service time at 12:30 pm. Memorials may be given to the American Cancer Society or the American Stroke Association. Messages and tributes may be left at www.powellfuneralhomes.com
Tributes
"I express heartfelt condolences to the family of Mrs. Morrison during this your time of bereavement. I am deeply saddened by your loss and share your grief as she was not just a client but she was like family to me. I will miss her encouraging words and definitely her phenomenal strength and positivity is a memory that will linger forever. Find solace in knowing she is somewhere still watching and smiling at her beloved."
"Dear Nancy, Brad, Kristin and Justin- We are so sorry for the loss of your Mom and Grandmother. Norma was always so sweet and she had such a tender, caring and loving heart. We always loved visiting with Norma and Ken when they still lived in Kalamazoo. A very sweet couple! We are praying God?s love surrounds you, His peace fills you and His presence comforts you in this time. May you have comfort of memories in the days ahead. You are in our thoughts and are surrounding you in prayer.? Dan and Beth Johnson"
"In loving memory of my client ! I was just so blessed to have her threw my journey in life, in the short time that I've known her she's giving me so much love and respect Mrs Morrison left impact in my life that I will always remember her threw her smile and her kindness ??! It was an honor to take care of her to the end ! Good bye ? until we see each other again !!!"
"Gary, Nancy and family, so sorry to hear about your mom. Life long friends are so rare and hard to find. She was a great lady and built a wonderful family. So, glad we were apart of it. My mom really cherishes the time they had together as best buddies. She mentioned the other day how glad she was we were able to get together last year. Our folks are immortal in our memories. Love and condolences to you and your family in this difficult time. Norma and Lois, friends forever!"
"Nancy and family, Gary and family. We are so sorry to hear of Norma?s passing. She was a dear friend and neighbor at Clifford Lake. Norma and Ken were the nicest, kindest, caring people I have ever met. Love and prayers to you and yours. Jim and Judi McCarthy "
"Such a sad day. Norma was my God-mother. While I had not seen her in many years, I have fond memories of her and Ken from my youth. They were such close friends of my parents. I remember back when I was in grade school she would bring me learning materials like games and flash cards. Of course, at that age, I resisted having more ?homework?. She was a very kind person. I think she didn?t like wearing her glasses as I remember her squinting a lot - ha. Ken was always nice to me. I remember hearing that he was a tail gunner during WWII and I was so impressed with his courage. My condolences to Gary and his family and to Nancy and her family. Another of the greatest generation has left us. I am sure God welcomed her into his Kingdom with open arms. "
" Dearest Nancy, Brad, Kristin, and Justin, We are sending our love and prayers for you during this difficult time. Your mom sounded like a wonderful lady, and no doubt knew how much she was loved and cherished. Love, Sue and Dick "
"Dear Nancy, Brad and Family, You are being prayed for during this difficult time. Your Mom was a sweetheart and there was much love and support given for one another. As you said, Nancy, your Mom is now with your Dad and Jesus~ Love, Ric and Cathy Knapp"
"Dear Nancy & Gary...I am so very sorry that your mom has passed. She was a wonderful And true friend to me for over 50 years. Even though many miles separated us in later years we still kept in touch, I will greatly miss our phone visits and her laughter. Love and prayers from Lois Butler & Family. "