Carroll Reeves Morriss

Carroll was called home on the 22nd after recently being diagnosed with MDS, a cancer that attacks the bone marrow and destroys red blood cells. She passed away while in the care of the hospice facility in Tyler, who provided her with the utmost care until the end which was greatly appreciated.

Carroll, who was born in Levelland, Texas on July 13, 1941, would later move to Dallas where she grew up, graduating from Sunset High School in 1959. She enjoyed a varied career working for a gas drilling company, as a legal secretary to a state senator, assistant to a banking VP in accounting and lastly as a head of HR for a national meat company overseeing the west coast operations.

She attended Arlington State University and later Baylor University and Memphis State University as she and her husband moved about, but it wasn't until moving to California years later that she would finally earn her business degree at UC Berkeley in Oakland.

Carroll and her husband of 63 years, the Rev. Canon Jerry Morriss, formally the rector at St. James Episcopal Church here at the lake have been able to travel extensively over the past 40 years, from Australia and New Zealand to South Africa and most of Europe. They also enjoyed sailing and chartered baare boats whenever possible. A highlight of their sailing experiences included a second place showing in the Houston to Vera Cruz regatta several years ago.

In addition to her commitment to her church, she was actively involved in the Civil League, the LIterary Club and the DAR, having held various offices in each organization. She and her husband also were involved in the Kairos Prison Ministry and served as a presenting team for Marriage Encounter and Cursillo.

To suggest that she will be missed by all who knew her would be an understatement. While being somewhat quiet by nature, she had a caring heart and seldom missed an opportunity to lend a helping hand to someone in need. Her service will be held on the 30th at 2:00 at St. James Episcopal Church. In lieu of flowers, a donation to the Jerry & Carroll Morriss Scholarship Fund (for Mabank graduates) or the Hospice of East Texas will be appreciated and can be donated through the church office.