She was born in Campbell County on December 3, 1935 daughter of the late John W. Cyrus and the late Hattie F. Cyrus.
Annie was the last of 10 children and was a loving homemaker who was devoted to her family. “Nanny” was a title that Annie wore most proudly. She spent many years taking care of her two grandchildren, first Ashley, then shortly thereafter, Benjamin Warner. Not only was she their Nanny but she was a Nanny to most of their friends as well. From catering their friends' bridal showers, to helping with baby showers. Nanny had many unofficial grandchildren.
In her spare time she enjoyed crafts, cooking, baking, catering, canning, and going to Myrtle Beach and Virginia Beach. One thing about Annie was that she always loved a recipe. She would always make new items for her family at Thanksgiving and Christmas. But, tradition was very important to Annie and her family. The Christmas Tree was always put up right after Thanksgiving with the help of her daughter, Karen and the grandchildren. Christmas Eve “snacks” were the precursor to her traditional Christmas breakfast she made for her family.
“Sis”, as so many called her, worked before her grandchildren came along. She worked at The Wilco Uniform Factory, GE Electric Company, and the Rustburg Middle School Cafeteria.
She was preceded in death by her two sisters, Mary Litchford and Mildred Rosser and seven brothers, Thomas Cyrus, Edward Cyrus, Albert Cyrus, Jesse Cyrus, Russell (Dot) Cyrus, John (Dick) Cyrus, and Otis Lee Cyrus.
Left to cherish her memory are her loving husband, James L. Morris; a daughter, Karen Michelle Morris; a granddaughter, Ashley Michelle Knowles Cheatham and husband James; a grandson, Benjamin Warner Knowles and wife Hilary; a great granddaughter, Addison Cheatham and another great grandchild that is expected. She is also survived by several nieces, nephews, and “unofficial” family.
The family will receive friends from 6-8 pm on Friday, February 24, 2023 at Whitten Timberlake Chapel.
A Celebration of Life will be held at 10:00 am on Saturday, February 25, 2023 at New Chapel Baptist Church in Rustburg. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.
In lieu of flowers the family requests memorials be made to the Campbell County Rescue Squad or the New Chapel Church Cemetery Fund.
