Linda B McMorris

She was a lifelong resident of Jackson and Raymond, Mississippi and graduated from Central High School, class of 1957. She completed training as an X-ray technician at the University of Mississippi Medical Center in Jackson and worked in the clinic of Dr. E. Leonard Posey for several years.

She is preceded in death by her husband of 51 years, Wayne A. McMorris, and together they owned and operated Speed-E-Food Stores in both Jackson and Pearl, Mississippi. They also farmed 60 acres on Midway road, growing soybeans, raising cattle and various other farm animals.

Later in life, she became a bank teller, working for Merchant and Planters Bank in Raymond, MS.

She was kindhearted, caring for any stray that crossed her path. Be they of fur or feathers, all were fed.

She was gifted as a gardener and loved flowers; she enjoyed nature, cooking, and traveling. She and her husband wandered from the Mexican border towns to Alaska and Maine, and even served as U.S. Park Service campground hosts in Montana.

She never tired of hopping aboard a train, cruise ship or, her favorite, the Chinook RV. Wherever she went, she never met a stranger.

She was a member of the First Baptist Church of Raymond and loved her many friends from the congregation and Sunday School class. Her “church family” provided so much love and support during her illness.

She loved to laugh, and she continued to do so even as her body began to fail. She was quick-witted, and a master of the side-eye followed by the eye-roll.

She loved a cup of coffee on the front porch, could spot a four-leaf clover from 10 feet away, and collected heart-shaped rocks because they made her happy.

Her smile made us happy.

She is also preceded in death by her parents, James M. Blackwell, Johnny Lee Hughes Blackwell, and first husband, Sidney Chapman. Survivors include her devoted brother and sister, James M. Blackwell, Jr. and Jackie Wamnes; children, Jeff Chapman (Tracy), Rachel Curtis (Chad), and Lynn McMorris (Carolyn); and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Lakewood Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Visitation will be held at First Baptist Church of Raymond from 10 AM until 1:00 PM on Monday, August 8, followed by a funeral service at 1 PM. Interment will follow at Lakewood Memorial Park.