Wynona English Morgan

Wynona Foncine was the eldest of twelve children. Not interested in sports, Nona’s passion was in learning and reading. The avid reader aspired to be a librarian. She began attending school at Dexter K-12 School and because of her high academic honors, was selected to attend the prestigious Girls State in New Mexico. Nona’s first job was taking tickets at the local movie theater. She excelled in school and in clubs, eventually achieving the highest office of Grand Worthy Advisor in the Rainbow Girls Club, leading other women through charity and community service. Nona continued in her achievement by receiving high marks throughout her academic career and being awarded an academic scholarship to New Mexico State University – an impressive achievement for a woman in 1950.

At the age of 18, Nona met the love of her life, William Morgan, in an English class while attending New Mexico State University in Las Cruces, NM. Bill needed help with his homework and in a true Nona-like fashion, she was there to lend a hand. Nona and Bill connected further at social events through the Baptist Student Union on campus. Determined to continue her education and move forward in her relationship with Bill, after her one-year scholarship expired, she got a job and small apartment 30 miles away in White Sands, NM, and then rode a bus to school. They were married in November of 1951 in Las Cruces, NM and spent the next 69-years of marriage together.

Nona and Bill welcomed their first son, Edward, in 1952. After graduation from college, Bill served two years in the Army as part of his ROTC program. Nona and Bill moved around a lot during this time, serving in New Jersey, Texas, and Arizona. It was in Fort Huachuca, AZ that their second son, Kelly, joined the family in 1954. After his service was complete, Nona and Bill moved to Torrance, CA where he began working as an electrician in his father’s company and she began turning their first house into a home. Two more children joined the family in Torrance: Mark in 1956 and Page in 1960. Tragically, Nona and Bill also lost in child in 1958, Carol. .

The household was a hub of activity with Nona in the center keeping the growing boys fed and laundry cleaned, while entertaining guests and family who would often stop by sometimes unannounced. Nona’s grandchildren were convinced Nona missed her calling to work for the CIA. Her quick-mind, attention to detail and ability to retain information instead went to caring for people around her. Receiving a thoughtful, hand-written card, unique to every occasion or a home-cooked meal were trademarks of Nona. Her compassion extended beyond her large family into her Church community. They were a part of several churches in the area: Narbonne Ave. Baptist Church, First Baptist Church of Torrance, and Sea Coast Community Church.

The kitchen was where she came alive. Seeking out new and unique recipes to try on unsuspecting guests at Southern Baptist potlucks or Mother’s Day Teas, Nona was known for her daring casseroles and Jell-O combinations. Who knew that lime Jell-O, avocadoes, with pineapple cream cheese sauce would go together?!! Her favorite dish? Pea salad with cashews. She also insisted on serving Black-eyed peas every New Year’s Eve. Nona knew how to set a table to make each person feel welcome and loved. Nona also loved cuddling babies and especially enjoyed holding her own new babies as her family grew. Always doting on her children, grandchildren, and then great-grandchildren, she constantly sent gifts of dresses, candy, socks and yes, even underwear. In 2019, Bill and Nona moved to Clovis, CA to be closer to family who were able to make cherished memories with them and be with each grandparent at the end of their life. Nona was deeply loved and will be greatly missed.

Wynona is survived by her four sons: Edward Morgan, wife Christine, of Clovis, CA; Kelly Morgan of Seattle, WA; Mark Morgan, wife Joh, of Torrance, CA and Page Morgan, wife Summer, of Fayetteville, NC. She is survived by seven of her siblings: brothers Bobby English (Amy), Dale English (Charlotte), JD English (Kathy), and her sisters Jacque Fowler (Bobby), Melba Harris (Lloyd), Sue Reed (Kurt) and Glenda Hoogestraat (Virgil). She is also survived by seven grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren.

Wynona was preceded in death by her parents Delbert and Mary Elva (Foster) English; her infant daughter Carol Susan Morgan; her sister Evelyn Ferrante; her brothers Truman English; Bill English and Kenneth English.

A graveside service for Wynona will be held Saturday, October 14, 2023 at 10:00 AM at Clovis Cemetery, 305 N Villa Ave, Clovis, CA 93612, followed by a memorial service at 11:00 AM at North Fresno Church, 5724 N Fresno St, Fresno, CA 93710.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.boicefuneralhome.com for the Morgan family.