Shirley Ann Morris

Shirley Ann (Swendsen) Morris, beloved mother and grandmother, passed from this life on February 3, 2022 in Montgomery, Texas. Born April 3, 1940 in Mobile, Alabama, Shirley was the daughter of Rose and Charles Swendsen. She grew up in Mobile, becoming a gracious southern lady along the way. As a young woman, she had many friends, loved to socialize, and particularly loved to dance. So much so that the band at the local dancehall would strike up her favorite song when she walked in. When Shirley let it be known that one special young man had stolen her heart, the dancehall boys sorely lamented the loss of a wonderful dance partner. She met that young man, Burl Morris, Jr., at the soda shop in downtown Mobile where she worked. Shirley and Burl were married for 58 years; during that time, they had five children and lived in Alabama, Texas, Georgia, Florida, and North Carolina.

In addition to being a devoted wife and loving mother, Shirley had the talent of an artist. She was an excellent seamstress (making countless costumes, formals, and other special outfits for her children), a great cook (delighting her family with her authentic southern cuisine), a creative home décor expert (making each of the places they lived look and feel like home), and a gifted floral designer (a talent which she shared with others working at Publix in Tallahassee, FL and Cleveland Florists in Mobile). A favorite memory of her grandchildren is watching her create floral arrangements and wreaths; they each speak of being in awe of her talented hands, sometimes sporting band aids from thorns and wires, but always soft and elegant.

Shirley was blessed with her artistic talents to be sure, but she felt that her greatest gift was her family. She and Burl had their share of difficult challenges in their lives, yet she never let them define her or lessen her capacity for joy or for love. Shirley had a wicked sense of humor and an infectious laugh. Her laughter could truly make your day. She made each and every child and grandchild feel special as individuals. She helped them study for spelling tests, wrote them letters so they could get their own mail, and never failed to give each one a sentimental gift for their birthdays. She commiserated when they were upset, encouraged when they were uncertain, cheered when they accomplished, and assured them that they were always loved. Shirley taught her children how important family unity was and showed by example how to put others first, yet never failed to make sure her children and grandchildren understood that they should value themselves as well.

Shirley was preceded in death by her parents and her husband; her daughter, Catherine J. Morris; her brothers, Clarence and Bud; and her sisters, Virginia and Dorothy. She leaves behind her children, Michael D. Morris (Patti), Mitchell G. Morris, Cynthia M. Jorgensen (Greg), and Stephen Morris; her grandchildren, Heather Morris Roberts (Tim), Chase Morris, David Morris (Lizzy), Susie Morris, Becky Morris Price (Blake), Katie Jorgensen, and Matt Jorgensen; and six great-grandchildren as well as nieces and nephews. It is with heavy hearts that they say goodbye to the wonderful classy lady known as Mama, Mimi, SAM and Shirley Bird. Yet, they share the joy in knowing that she is with the Lord and passed loved ones, and that they will one day see her again.

Visitation will be held at Pine Crest Funeral Home Dauphin Island Pkwy in Mobile, Alabama on Saturday, February 12, 2022 at 10 a.m. followed by the chapel service at 11 a.m. Pallbearers escorting Mrs. Morris to her final resting place at Pine Crest West Cemetery are Michael Morris, David Morris, Stephen Morris Greg Jorgensen, Matthew Jorgensen, Jeffrey Dunn and Melvin Dunn.

The family invites all to attend a Celebration of Life for their beloved Mother at the Ezell House located in Downtown Mobile, at 407 Conti St., Mobile, AL 36602

God saw you getting tired, and a cure was not to be.

So He put His arms around you and whispered, “Come to Me.”

With tearful eyes we watched you, and saw you pass away.

Although we loved you dearly, we could not make you stay.

Your golden heart stopped beating, your hard working hands to rest.

God broke our heart to prove to us, He only takes the best.

We little knew that morning, God was going to call your name;

In life we loved you dearly, in death we’ll do the same.

It broke our hearts to lose you, you did not go alone;

For parts of us went with you, the day God called you home.

You left us beautiful memories. Your love is still our guide;

And although we cannot see you, you are always by our side.

Our family chain is broken, and nothing feels the same;

But as God calls us one by one, the chains will link again.

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