Barbara Morrison

Barbara Victoria Morrison was born in Allegheny County, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania to the union of John Henry Thomas Sr. and Reba Mae Thomas on August 14, 1945. Early in childhood Barbara dedicated her life to serving the Lord Jesus Christ. As a youth she found fellowship and her voice at Cleaves Temple Baptist Church where she was later baptized and sang in the choir.

Growing up on the southside of Pittsburgh she began her early education at Bedford Elementary School. She passionately achieved and maintained academic honors throughout her primary educational career and beyond.

Her nurturing character fashioned an endearment for caring for her Grandmother; Emma Brown, her sibling; Reba, Shirley and Emma Thomas during her most formative young adult years (and later her Nephew Harold). While juggling these responsibilities, Barbara began attending The University of Pittsburgh. She married and later birthed the gleaming lights of her life; three boys by the names of Scott, Keith and Darin Nye. Marital dissolution would later prove challenging after becoming a single mother of 3 boys but she persevered, transferred colleges, and completed her undergraduate education at California State University in 1977. Goal driven; she immediately pursued her graduate degree receiving a Master’s in Business Administration at California State University.

Her first career would prove fruitful and groundbreaking as a young black single mother charging through the finance industry like a wrecking ball. She achieved the prestigious career status as Vice President of First Interstate Bank and Trust in Los Angeles, California. Shortly after enrolling in a Doctoral program, cancer afflicted her body and she was forced to halt her educational aspirations.

As a member of Crenshaw Christian Center, she found love and a life partner in Clinton Morrison with whom she married and shared over 40 years of love and friendship. Through this union she graciously inherited four lovely daughters; Crystal, Brigitte, Lamika and Yvette.

Barbara Morrison found herself in a second career act as a successful entrepreneur of a wrought iron security business, a daycare and a thriving real-estate company but with a yearning desire to continue her passion for education. This time in another capacity. She began her third career act in Nevada as a professor but ultimately Clinton’s career path in the trucking industry would lead them to Greeneville, Tennessee. As a valued contributing member of society, Barbara would lend her expertise to the wonderful community of Johnson City School District from 1999-2003 and later to Washington County Department of Education from 2002-2007.

She faithfully attended Calvary Church and was an avid group member of the silver swimmers at the local YMCA.

In every community she lived in, she flourished and all who met her were mesmerized. Her charm, intellect and wit were unmatched. As amazing as she was, she remained effortlessly humble as she feared and loved the Lord with every fiber of her being; right down to her very last breath. Our heavenly Father ushered her home as he whispered gentle words of a purpose fulfilled and a job well done.

She is preceded in death by her two sisters Shirley Ann and Emma Lean Thomas, brother USMC Pvt. 1st Class, John H. Thomas Jr., Son; Keith Nye, Nephew; Harold Thomas and Grand-son; Darin Nye, Jr.

Barbara Morrison is survived by her beloved husband; Clinton Morrison, Sister; Reba Thomas, Son’s; Scott Nye (Cynthia Nye) and Darin Nye, Grandchildren; Joya, Sienna, LuEllen, Scott Jr. Jessica, Damaris, Mikia, Asja, Cameron, Dorio and Renika. Great-grandchildren; Gabrielle, Joyelle, Grayson, Graham, Garrett and Danilo. Also, a host of dear friends and colleagues she adored along the way.

As we bid farewell, we draw comfort from the memories she gifted us. The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the community of Greeneville for the overwhelming support and love shown during these trying times.

The funeral service will be held at 2:00 pm Saturday in the Kiser-Rose Hill Funeral Home chapel with interment following at GreeneLawn Memory Gardens.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.kiserrosehillfuneralhome.com