Grace Christine Morris

Mrs. Grace Christine (Walker) Morris, 89, of Aurora, Colorado peacefully passed away with her family by her side, in San Antonio Texas, on December 28, 2020.

Grace was born to the late Paris Walker and Christine Houston, March 20, 1931, in Toledo, Ohio. She received her early education from the segregated St. Louis public school system. In 1949, she graduated from Vashon High School and was their salutatorian. Continuing her scholastic journey, she entered Homer G. Phillips Hospital’s notable and highly respected Nursing program for negro women. Grace received her Nursing Diploma in 1952. That year she also became board-certified and licensed.

Grace joined the United States Navy Reserve as a commissioned officer, Ensign O1. In 1953, during the Korean War, she was activated and served in the Women’s Auxiliary Corps (WAC). Later that year, she resigned her commission and was honorably discharged. She received the National Defense Service Medal, which recognized her service during a period of armed conflict.

She married Tandy Tollerson, III in 1953. One child (Cynthia Diane Tollerson) resulted from their short union. In 1958, Grace married Matthew “Larry” Morris, Sr. They had three children: Matthew Morris, Jr., Michele Rene (Morris) Mitchell, and Patricia Ann (Morris) Bush.

Matthew Sr. was an Army man. Consequently, the family lived in San Antonio, Denver, Colorado; and several places in Germany. At each location, as an Army Civilian, Grace used her nursing skills to do what she loved–empathetically help others.

Education is important, and she wanted to further hers. While working full time she attended Metropolitan State College in Denver, Colorado, and completed her BS in Nursing in 1981. In 2008, Grace retired after a 30+year civilian career with the Army. Because she had an immense passion for nursing, she taught at her alma mater. However, when her son became gravely ill, she made him her priority and nursed him until his death.

After her son’s death, to remain active and continue her love for helping others, she worked part-time jobs. Each employer recognized her dedicated can-do spirit and gave her increasing responsibilities. In 2012, she left Target Greatland and retired fully.

Grace leaves to cherish her in memory, three daughters: Dr. Cynthia Tollerson, Michele R.M. (Thomas) Mitchell, and Patricia Ann (David) Bush; three granddaughters: Briana Christine (Jawaan) Lewis, Jesicah Njeri Mitchell, and Kamilah (Alex) Mitchell; and one great-grandchild, Faith Adea Mitchell; a niece: Shirley Williams; and a very dear Homer G Phillips alumna: Ms. Sophronia Williams. A host of nieces, nephews, and cherished life-long dear friends.

Grace was preceded in death by her parents; son; husbands; three brothers (James Earl, Alfonso Allen, and Roy Theophilus Houston); sister (Velora Williams); Lavell Williams, Jr. (nephew); Aunt Blanche Davidson; and Uncle Joseph Felix.

Grace was known to many as a selfless faithful woman of God. She was a devout Catholic and a member of the St. Pius X church in Aurora, Colorado. Over the years, she worked with several of its ministries.

Biweekly, she would have her hair done by, Jeanine, her hairdresser, and friend of over 30 years. She was one of Jeanine’s first customers; when Jeanine moved to another shop, Grace moved right along with her. Grace would often say Jeanine is like a daughter to me.

Grace had a passion for seeing the world. Every four years, like clockwork, she cruised with her Homer G. Phillips alumnae. They visited places like the Bahamas, the islands of Hawaii, Alaska, and the West Indies. She loved to dress up and looked forward to “dining” on the cruise ship. Her former classmates would teasingly comment on her finery.

Up until nearly the end, she enjoyed an active and healthy lifestyle. Grace rarely missed her Heather Gardens water aerobics classes; she faithfully attended every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. After class, she would relax in the hot tub with her swim mates. She looked forward to their monthly luncheons. Grace only missed class if she was out of town, snowed in, or the facility was closed for maintenance. If she were in town, but could not get to the facility, she would walk the stairs in her building.

Grace and her late brother Roy avidly frequented buffets. They were on a first-name basis with the servers, cashiers, and waitresses. Some of her friends at Heather Gardens were in awe of how much Grace could eat and remain thin and fit.

Grace was an optimistic person with a ready smile and a joyful infectious laugh. She was a kind, loving hero to her family. When asked how she was doing Grace would cheerfully respond, “I am blessed and highly favored. How are you?” Grace’s family will immensely miss her as will her friends, her church, and the Heather Gardens community.

The viewing will be held on Friday, January 8, 2021, from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Olinger Hampden Mortuary, 8600 Hampden Ave., Denver, Colorado 80231. The funeral ceremony will be held the next day. Due to COVID, the funeral is only open to immediate family members. Nevertheless, it can be viewed virtually at this address: https://www.facebook.com/OlingerHampdenCemetery/.