Lorna Rhodonna Morton

She was a lifelong resident of Etowah Co., AL. Her last moments were shared with

family and friends who were singing hymns for her, recounting shared memories, and

praying to God whom she loved so much. We felt the presence of friends and family

who called and would have liked to be by her bedside to share her last moments, but

could not. Lorna had a peaceful and comfortable crossing.

Lorna was born in Gadsden, Alabama on July 25, 1952 to her parents, Perry H. and

Ollie (Irvin) Morton. She was raised with her siblings Gilbert and Lisa.

Lorna is remembered for her life time love of doing family history work. She searched

for ancestors who were among those who first settled Alabama, among other families

her research included the Morton, Crump, Humphries, McGlaughn, Siniard, Brock,

Tyner and Bullard families. Lorna was a member of the Cherokee Tribe of Northeast

Alabama and was proud of her Heritage with direct lines to both Cherokee and

Shawnee Indian Chiefs. Lorna loved traveling around the Southeast teaching Native

American research and was even invited to teach on the Cherokee Indian Reservation

in North Carolina.

In 1986 She married Charles Hibbs and became step mother to his daughters Joleen

and Nita. Lorna and Charlie parted in 2006.

Ever the teacher, Lorna homeschooled Joleen and Nita for many years. She also taught

diverse classes and workshops at church and continuing education at Gadsden State

Community College. She was a gardner and taught her girls proper food preservation

through freezing, and canning. They have life long memories of cooking fancy cookies

called rosettes and pizzelles.

Lorna was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints for 52

years. She was a blessing to all while she served in leadership capacities in church and

also in the community in other positions of responsibility. Lorna studied to be a

Cosmetician and in that capacity she was sent as an instructor across the Southeast

representing the Redken Professional Hair Care Corporation. However, of all of her interests

and endeavors her first love was family and the preservation of family history.

Lorna had eight grandchildren and in her final years she enjoyed the visits and attention

from some of her daughters, grandchildren, family and special friends.

Lorna is survived by two daughters, Joleen Hibbs Peppers of Attalla and Nita Hibbs of

Altoona, six grandchildren, Asher, Charlie-girl, and Ammon of Attalla, Garrett, Liana

and Colton of Altoona and sister, Lisa Morton Mills (Frank) of Anniston, along with

dozens of nieces, nephew’s, cousins and friends around the country.

She was preceded in death by her grandsons, Abram Schellenger and Benjamin Hibbs;

brother, Perry Gilbert Morton (Nancy); parents, Perry H. and Ollie (Irvin) Morton.

Pallbearers are Asher Hibbs, Richard Sickles, Jeremy Cast, Thomas Williams, Enrique

Williams and Johnny Williams. Honorary pallbearers are Sparky Mills and Thad Mitchell.

The family wishes to acknowledge all the medical staff at Rehab Select of Albertville

and the very Attentive hospice personnel of Shepherds Cove.

Services for Lorna will be officiated by Bishop Stephen Helms on July 27,2024 at the

Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, 2001 Noccalula Road, Gadsden, Alabama.

Family viewing: 11:00am

Friend viewing : 11:30am

Service:12:00pm

Burial will be at Conn Cemetery, Gallant Road, Gallant, Alabama.