Norma Strickland Morris, 91, of Fitzgerald, Georgia, died Saturday, October 1, 2016, at her residence.
Graveside services will be held 2 PM, Monday, October 3, 2016, at Evergreen Cemetery with the Rev. Don Woeltjen and the Rev. Charles Morris Owens officiating.
Mrs. Morris was a life-long resident of Fitzgerald, born October 15, 1924, to the late Chester B. & Ellen Norman Strickland. Her memory was sharp for all the details of her city, relating how her Grandfather, B.T. Strickland was Fitzgerald's Chief of Police for most of the 1920's. Norma's earliest employments were in the WWII War effort. She worked in Fitzgerald for the Ben Hill County Draft Board and Rationing Board. She then moved to St. Simons Island where she ferried to the Brunswick Shipyards. These shipyards built Liberty Ships used for war supplies transported to Great Britain. While there Norma was honored with the christening champagne blow to the 65th Liberty ship, the SS Edward R. Squibb, on Nov 13, 1944.
Norma served her family with a dedicated heart of service. This spilled over to friends and neighbors. Known for great cooking skills, she shared the delicious fare with many, wrapping up and delivering regularly. She was an expert seamstress, with a fearless approach to all tasks. She once sewed a new sunroof to her daughter's Volkswagen Beetle. Her skillful draperies donned many of the elegant windows in Fitzgerald. Prom dresses and alterations to designer fashions were not intimidating to Norma. She tailored suits for her boys and all the latest fashions for her daughter.
Norma loved her community. She served in Magnolia Garden Club. She was an avid Bridge Player, a regular at several clubs in Fitzgerald and one in Tifton as well. She had a regular chair at the Duplicate table on Thursday night at the Sr. Citizens Center. Norma was an accomplished participant in other games, such as, Dominos, Rummikub and Hand 'n Foot. When partners were not readily available, Norma defied idleness with challenging cross-word puzzles and expert level jigsaw puzzles. If there was any time left before bed, a few pages of SUDUKO would fill the minutes.
Norma's prolific needle craft skills have not only blessed her family with sweaters, afghans and such... but, have been a part of her community and circle of friend's. She churned out countless pairs of fingerless gloves, boot socks, scarves, and leggings in all the nearby school colors. Much of her works were donated for the fund-raising events for Blue and Gray Hospice of Ben Hill County.
Several years ago, when she was a heart patient at Tift General, she inquired of their nurses if there were any knitting needs for their patients. One nurse shared a tender need. When a family had a still-born birth they sometimes wanted to view the child. The caps for newborns, even preemies, were often too large. The nurse asked Ms. Norma if she could make little caps for these little dear ones. Of course, Norma churned out a gross or so- and happy to do it.
Artistic talents also graced Norma's enormous load of giftedness. She created scenes, florals and interesting portraits as they appealed to her, winning awards and sharing paintings with anyone who expressed a desire to possess one. Her favorite medium was oil, but, well into her 80's she traveled to a nearby college and added water colors to her repertoire.
She is survived by a son, Donald Lamar Morris II and his wife Kay of Fitzgerald; a daughter, Norma Ann Morris Lewis of Shelbyville, TN; two daughters-in-law, Jan Woods Morris of Americus and Jessica Zajac Morris of Woodstock; seven grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; and two sisters: Ann Vickery and Jane Taylor. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Donald Lamar Morris; and two sons: John Carl Morris and Robert Emory “Bob” Morris.
The family suggests those desiring to send memorials may send them to Blue-Gray Community Hospice, P.O. Box 1447, Fitzgerald, GA 31750.