Marilyn Frances (Jackson) Morris

With heartfelt sympathy, we announce the earthly transition of Marilyn Frances Jackson Morris of Woodstock, GA, formerly of Gadsden, who traded time for eternity on Saturday, June 21, 2025 at the age of 89. We ask that you keep her family and friends in your prayers during this most difficult time.

Marilyn Frances Jackson Morris was on June 9, 1936, in Brighton, Alabama to the union of Margret Boldware and Rufus McGrew, Marilyn, affectionately known as “Bitty” due to her small size and strong personality, was reared in Brighton by her paternal grandmother, Ruby McGrew. She eventually relocated to Gadsden where she married Aris Morris in the early 50’s. 

Marilyn accepted Christ at a very early age and her unwavering faith guided her life and her approach to motherhood. 

Marilyn loved the Lord, and her spiritual foundation as a child followed her to Gadsden where she became a longtime member of Mt. Pilgrim Baptist Church, under Reverend W. M. Mallory and Rev. H. L. Spruill, then later uniting with Emmanuel Missionary Baptist Church, under the leadership of Rev. Charles Posey. She served on the Board of Trustees, a devoted member of the Women’s Missionary Society and the Sarah Smith Circle. She was also a member of the Gadsden Order of Eastern Star, American Nurses Association, served on the Etowah County Head Start Board and with the American Red Cross Preparedness Team.

Marilyn passed on a legacy of intelligence to her children.   She began her education at Carver High School in Gadsden, then transferred to Brighton High School where she graduated as Valedictorian.  She also studied at Miles College in Bessemer, the relocated to Gadsden where she worked for General Times, a part of Republic Steele Industrial Steel Health Team, Holy Name of Jesus Hospital and Baptist Memorial Hospital.  She was a very conscientious nurse’s aide, serving her patients with dignity, respect and true compassion, which lead her to return to nursing school at the age of 40 earning her Registered Nurse (RN) degree from Sylacauga School of Nursing.  She served the community with honor as a nurse at various hospitals in Gadsden, Anniston and Birmingham.   She was also a hospice nurse, and as a Licensed RN Abuse Substance Counselor, worked as a mental health care professional and supervisor caring for troubled youth at Mountain View Hospital.  Marilyn retired after serving forty plus years in various areas of the nursing field.   She was proud of being in this field such that in her declining years, she regularly reminded her doctors and nurses the she was “still a Nurse.”

Marilyn instilled her strong values and religious beliefs in her family. She led by example, influencing her children’s development through her actions, behavior, commitment, work ethic and serving in her church and community.  She was great cook, a skill passed on to her daughters. Marilyn, the “Cake Lady,” was an excellent baker, known for her irresistible pound cakes that were always in demand. 

Marilyn was preceded in death by her brother, Master Sargent George “Bump” Jackson; her sisters, Jean Boldware Moon, Margret “Pig” Anita Howell and Sharon “Kitty” Ruth Johnson.

Marilyn Frances Jackson Morris, devoted mother and a pillar of her faith community, peacefully departed this life on June 21, 2025.

 She was the mother of four, Joyclyn Morris Waters, Avis Morris Glover, Michael Morris, Jeffrey (Harolyn) Morris; she was grandmother to eight, Adrian Glover, Devorian (Kayla) McFarlin, Melody (Dexster) Robinson, Jasmin Haley Morris, Minnika Morris, Chantelle Morris, Nicole Gist and Elizabeth Morris; she leaves behind thirteen great-grandchildren; her brother, Marlon “Jack” McCraney; special extended family, Chantal Glover, Gabriella Morris, Elizabeth E. Morris, Alicia Cross and a host of friends and relatives.

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