In Memory of
Geneva
Morris
Morris
2016
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Damiano Funeral Home
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Obituary for Geneva Morris
Geneva Morris transitioned peacefully in her sleep on her 91st birthday, September 12, 2016. Born in Long Branch on September 12, 1925, to Lester and Sarah Morris, she was the eldest of two children, raised in a Christian home that was the pathway to her life’s work as a servant in the church and community. Geneva attended Long Branch public schools and graduated from Long Branch High School in the class of 1943. She worked as a seamstress for many years in the manufacturing industry in Long Branch and Asbury Park.
Geneva’s passions were her church, her family, and the various social and civic organizations she belonged to in the Long Branch area. She accepted Christ and joined Second Baptist Church at an early age under the pastorate of the Rev. Cornelius P. Williams. She worked tirelessly and intensely in such capacities as Sunday school teacher and superintendent of Sunday schools. She faithfully served in vacation bible school, the silver spray and missionary clubs, Easter and Christmas programs, and in many other capacities. One of her fondest memories is sitting in front of the church registering children for vacation bible school.
Geneva was a proud member of the Order of Calenthe, Harmony Court 14. She served in the food pantry at Chester Arthur Apartments, worked in the convenience store at Kennedy Towers, registered residents to vote, and was a friendly presence at the Long Branch voting polls during election years. Geneva was an avid bingo player, enjoyed traveling, and loved attending benefit events such as scholarship fundraisers, luncheons and dances.
She was most often described as a “lot like her mother” – a kind and gentle spirit who never had a harsh word to say about others. Geneva was always willing to help others, particularly her family. During family gatherings “Aunt Nina” as she was affectionately called was remembered for the many gifts she lavished on her family at Christmas time. Loaded down with bags and bags of gifts, she came to be known among family as “the original Santa Claus.” Geneva’s quiet but loving demeanor drew many to her, and she was fortunate to have enjoyed a wide circle of friends in Long Branch to include her best friend forever the late Agnes Wall.
In her latter years, she retired to care for her dear mother Sarah Morris. She spent the last eight years of her life at the Marcella Center in Burlington, NJ under the care of her niece, Leslie Ann Morris. While there she continued to enjoy bingo, attending the nursing home church services, and the many nursing home social functions. The staff and residents alike loved “Ms. Geneva.”
Geneva is preceded in death by her parents Lester and Sarah Morris, and her brother, Nathaniel “Red” Morris. She is survived by her nephews Randy Phillips, Sr. (Ethel), and Rodney Morris (Susie) of Long Branch; nieces Leslie A. Morris of Westampton, NJ and Carolyn Morris of Long Branch; grand nieces and nephews Kerri Dickerson of Neptune; Randy Phillips, Jr. of Virginia; Leslie Christina Morris of Long Branch; and Tyree Morris of Long Branch; first cousins Lorraine Morris Overby of Tinton Falls, and Larry Morris of Long Branch; and a host other cousins and friends whom she loved dearly.
Friends and relatives may gather Saturday, September 17, 2016 from 10 a.m. until the funeral services at 11 a.m. at Second Baptist Church, 93 Liberty Street, Long Branch. Interment will follow at White Ridge Cemetery in Eatontown. The family invites you to leave a letter of condolence, light a memorial candle or make a memorial donation by selecting the appropriate tab.
Geneva’s passions were her church, her family, and the various social and civic organizations she belonged to in the Long Branch area. She accepted Christ and joined Second Baptist Church at an early age under the pastorate of the Rev. Cornelius P. Williams. She worked tirelessly and intensely in such capacities as Sunday school teacher and superintendent of Sunday schools. She faithfully served in vacation bible school, the silver spray and missionary clubs, Easter and Christmas programs, and in many other capacities. One of her fondest memories is sitting in front of the church registering children for vacation bible school.
Geneva was a proud member of the Order of Calenthe, Harmony Court 14. She served in the food pantry at Chester Arthur Apartments, worked in the convenience store at Kennedy Towers, registered residents to vote, and was a friendly presence at the Long Branch voting polls during election years. Geneva was an avid bingo player, enjoyed traveling, and loved attending benefit events such as scholarship fundraisers, luncheons and dances.
She was most often described as a “lot like her mother” – a kind and gentle spirit who never had a harsh word to say about others. Geneva was always willing to help others, particularly her family. During family gatherings “Aunt Nina” as she was affectionately called was remembered for the many gifts she lavished on her family at Christmas time. Loaded down with bags and bags of gifts, she came to be known among family as “the original Santa Claus.” Geneva’s quiet but loving demeanor drew many to her, and she was fortunate to have enjoyed a wide circle of friends in Long Branch to include her best friend forever the late Agnes Wall.
In her latter years, she retired to care for her dear mother Sarah Morris. She spent the last eight years of her life at the Marcella Center in Burlington, NJ under the care of her niece, Leslie Ann Morris. While there she continued to enjoy bingo, attending the nursing home church services, and the many nursing home social functions. The staff and residents alike loved “Ms. Geneva.”
Geneva is preceded in death by her parents Lester and Sarah Morris, and her brother, Nathaniel “Red” Morris. She is survived by her nephews Randy Phillips, Sr. (Ethel), and Rodney Morris (Susie) of Long Branch; nieces Leslie A. Morris of Westampton, NJ and Carolyn Morris of Long Branch; grand nieces and nephews Kerri Dickerson of Neptune; Randy Phillips, Jr. of Virginia; Leslie Christina Morris of Long Branch; and Tyree Morris of Long Branch; first cousins Lorraine Morris Overby of Tinton Falls, and Larry Morris of Long Branch; and a host other cousins and friends whom she loved dearly.
Friends and relatives may gather Saturday, September 17, 2016 from 10 a.m. until the funeral services at 11 a.m. at Second Baptist Church, 93 Liberty Street, Long Branch. Interment will follow at White Ridge Cemetery in Eatontown. The family invites you to leave a letter of condolence, light a memorial candle or make a memorial donation by selecting the appropriate tab.