Kathryn Elizabeth Morris

She was born March 1, 1928, in Boone, North Carolina, the only child of James D. and Thelma M. (nee Moody) Horton, who were both teachers. In 1940, her father became a federal auditor, and the family transferred to Indianapolis, Little Rock, Des Moines, and finally Kansas City.

Kathryn received a music scholarship for her first two years of college but changed her major to social work, obtaining a B.S. in Social Services from The College of William and Mary and an M.S. in Social Science from the University of Iowa. Having specialized in medical and psychiatric social work, she began her career in an out-patient dispensary providing services to all specialties for people who could not afford private medical care. She then served as a medical and psychiatric social worker for Menorah Medical Center, as Director of Social Service for Jewish Family Services, and finally as Director of Social Service at the Jewish Geriatric Center and Shalom Plaza, retiring in 1994.

Kathryn was married to Robert Morris in 1959. He lost his life as a result of an automobile accident in 1998. Kathryn was a lifelong avid reader who loved to travel and toured 36 countries on 5 continents with relatives and friends over many years. She was also a very devoted animal lover, supporting many animal organizations. Kathryn will be remembered for her kindness, her strong will and her caring heart.

Kathryn is survived by her beloved step-daughter, Vonnie Clarke (George), three adult grandchildren, and seven great-grandchildren. Although Kathryn was an only child, she loved her three first cousins in the extended Horton family who were more like siblings to her. Benny Horton, her remaining living first cousin, and his wife Kerrick have two adult children and seven grandchildren and reside in Pampa, Texas.

The family wishes to thank the staff at Care Haven Homes for their loving and professional care of Kathryn in her final years.

Services will be held Tuesday, July 16 at St. Peters & All Saints Episcopal Church. A visitation and reception will begin at 10:00 am with the funeral service beginning at 11:00 am. The interment will be at Mount Moriah Cemetery South following the funeral.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in her memory are most welcome to the church at 100 East Red Bridge Road, Kansas City MO 64114 or Wayside Waifs.