Helen Harper Morris

Helen Virginia Harper Morris was born on November 20, 1922 in Mineral, Virginia to the late Little Berry and Jennie Smith Harper. Helen was the eighth of ten children. Helen was preceded in death by her parents, siblings, and husband of 72 years, Thomas William Morris, Sr. She is survived by three sons: Thomas Jr. (Carolyn), Michael (Jeanette), and Randolph (Bobbi); six grandchildren: Thomas III (Cheryl), Glenn, Jessica (Jose), Sarah (Matt), Randy Jr. (Courtney), and Rebecca (Denny); as well as thirteen great-grandchildren: Harrison (Hallie), Madison (Chris), Jackson, Samantha, Michaela, Harper, Logan, William, Ruby, Charley, Maya Lynn, Henry, and Zoey; and one great-great grandchild, Hayden.

Helen married and left Mineral in August of 1943, moving to Newport News, Virginia where her husband apprenticed with the C&O Railroad. Helen lived in Charlottesville while Tom served in the Navy during WWII, returning and settling in Newport News upon his discharge. Helen was a mother and homemaker as well as an Avon representative for 25 years. Her desire as a young girl had always been to serve as a missionary. Though never formally set apart as a missionary, Helen’s life was spent sharing Jesus through word and deed. She was an active member of Ivy Memorial Baptist Church from 1953 until her home-going. Helen served as a Sunday School teacher, a member and leader of the Women’s Missionary Union, Vacation Bible School director/teacher, and served on numerous committees through the years. Helen was also a faithful member of the Gideons Auxiliary.

A celebration of Helen’s life will be held on September 14, 2024 at 10:00 AM at Ivy Memorial Baptist Church, with interment to follow at Parklawn Memorial Park. The family will receive friends at church prior to the celebration of life from 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Ivy Memorial Baptist Church, for the Lottie Moon Offering, 2200 Coliseum Drive, Hampton, VA 23666, or to the Gideons International, Hampton Camp U-45135, P.O. Box 9304 Hampton, VA 23669.

The family wishes to express its thanks to the staff of the Healthcare unit of The Chesapeake for their care over nine years.

One of Helen’s favorite scripture verses sums up the way she lived her life: Proverbs 3:5-6: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will direct your paths.”