Marie Morris

Marie Thomas Morris, 88, life-long resident of Sanford, died peacefully at her home on February 15, 2017 surrounded by her family and friends.  Marie was born on February 6, 1929 and was preceded in death by her parents, Benjamin Atlas Thomas and Annie Gunter Thomas; her husband, Glenn Thomas Morris; her two sisters, Doris Thomas Rosser and Ruby Thomas May; and her brother, Wilbur Thomas, all of Sanford.

            Marie is survived by her three daughters, Connie Morris Blue of Fayetteville; Jan Morris Rickard (Carroll) of Sanford; and Lisa Morris Pace (Scott) of Sanford.  She was blessed with seven grandchildren and six great grandchildren: John Christopher Blue (Shannon) and their two children Brennan Michael Blue and Hayden Christopher Blue of Fayetteville; Jennifer Smith Blue (Gabriel) and their two children, Graham Thomas Blue Smith and Miller Friend Smith of Raleigh; Glenn Tyler Blue (Elizabeth) of Fayetteville; Adison Grey Pace of Chapel Hill; Meredith Ann Batchelor of Sanford; Sean Houston Rickard (Scarlett) of Concord; and Toni Marie Boggs (Joseph) and their children, Braxton Ray Haddock, Kenzie Marie Boggs, Trenton Joesph Boggs, and Caleb Andrew Boggs of Sanford.  She is also survived by her special niece, Judy Rosser Wellons of Fayetteville, who she loved like her own daughter.  The family would also like to thank Connie Goodman and Madison McBride for their loving support and dedication while taking care of Marie during her last months of life, in addition to the staff members of Liberty Home Care and Hospice Services who also provided exceptional service and care. 

            Marie was a graduate of Jonesboro High School, and she later attended Louisburg College where she played on the basketball team.  She took great pride in her past service as Grand Worthy Matron of the Order of the Eastern Star.  She was an avid fan of Carolina basketball and football.  Her greatest joy of all was spending time with her family, especially watching her grandchildren and great-grandchildren play sports and attending their various activities.    

            Marie retired from Central Carolina Community College where she was employed by the Business Department.  For the past twenty-six years, she used her talents as an administrative assistant and bookkeeper at Swann Station Baptist Church, where she was an active member and faithful servant of Christ.

            A visitation will be held on Thursday, February 16 from 5:00-7:00 p.m. at Rogers-Pickard Funeral Home. The funeral will take place at 11:00 a.m. at Swann Station Baptist Church on Friday, February 17.  A graveside service at Shallow Well Cemetery will immediately follow the service.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Swann Station Baptist Baptist Church at 7592 NC-87, Sanford, NC 27332 or to Meals on Wheels, P.O. Box 2991, Sanford, NC 27331.