Betty Sue (Lancaster) Morris

Betty Sue Lancaster Morris, devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and distinguished educator passed away Sunday evening, April 21, 2024. Betty Sue was born on August 15, 1937 in Georgiana, Alabama to her late father, Hyrum Lasco Lancaster and her mother, Willie Sue Wingard (father, Charles M. Wingard and mother, Bessie Green). In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her youngest son, Jeffrey Mason Morris, her two sisters, Margie Nan Cutler and Patricia L. Sewell and her brother Hyrum Eugene Lancaster. She is survived by her loving husband of seventy years, Michael W. Morris Sr.; her son, Michael W Morris Jr. (Lisa) and her daughter, Vicki Morris; three grandchildren, Katherine Renae Morris, Joseph Michael Morris (Connally), and Jessica Lauren Morris; and great-grandson, Charles Wayne Higginbotham. She is also survived by her beloved dog, Prissy.

Betty Sue earned her bachelor’s degree in education from the University of South Alabama in 1979. She took great pride in teaching elementary education in both Alabama and Georgia, earning recognition of Teacher of the Year with the Gwinnett county school district. She was most proud of the school system's decision to adopt a program she developed through a competition aimed at improving her student’s English and Reading skills. The program proved to elevate twenty-eight fifth grade students from a below grade reading level to current grade level with some achieving an advanced and Honors grade level report according to the Georgia Department of Education metrics. Her plan was still being used throughout all elementary schools in Gwinnett county when Betty Sue retired.

After retirement, Betty Sue enjoyed cooking, painting, bird watching and traveling. She was an avid gardener who took great pride in growing and canning fruit preserves. She spent much time at her beach house in Gulf Shores affectionately named “Jeff’s Place”. She is fondly remembered for her wonderful biscuits from scratch, chicken and dumplings, and Brunswick stew with homemade cornbread.

The family would like to give special thanks to her loving caregivers at ‘In His Hands Personal Care Service’ and to Dena Pigg, Donna Pigg and Keith Gates who spent countless hours devoted to her care.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that any charitable donations be made to Reach Out and Read, a program designed by pediatricians which uses children’s books and shared reading to foster early literacy. Condolences may be offered at www.radneyfuneralhome-saraland.com.