Deacon Willie A. Morris Sr.

Deacon Willie Albert Morris Sr. was born October 7th 1949, unto Lue Emma Morris and Willie Albert Swanigan in Chicago, Illinois. He attended Carrie Jacob Bond Elementary, DuSable High School and completed his education at Olive Harvey College and University of Chicago Circle Campus. Willie accepted Christ at an early age at Greater Harvest Missionary Baptist Church where he sang in the Young Adult Choir and would later become an active member of the Deacons Board, Pastors Aid, and Boy Scouts of America. Greater Harvest nurtured the religious foundation instilled in him through his mother. Led to the power of the Holy Ghost by his brother Edward, Willie was filled with the spirit at 18 years old. GHMBC is where Willie met the Love of His Life, wife and mother of his children, Carolyn Motley. Married by the late Rev. Henry Bracken on August 23rd 1969, this union beget six blessed children, Willie Jr., Andre, Karolyn, Markeita, LaTonya and Kenyatta. Determined to provide for his family, Willie worked at the US Postal Service. He worked diligently as a CTA Bus Driver for 8 years and Supervisor for 20 years. As the true entrepreneur he was, Willie simultaneously owned and operated Morris & Morris Home Maintenance, Carolyn's Vending, Real Estate and a Laundromat Business. A skilled master of all trades, he continued to learn and share his gift with anyone willing to work with him, especially his children. He had a true heart for people and was willing to help anyone in need. No favor was too great, no obstacle too challenging for him! From gifting his time and money to repairing cars or building garages. A beloved father, he loved to travel the United States with his wife and children. A devoted friend, he loved to hunt, fish and fly with his close friends. A dedicated son and brother, Willie shared his passion for fishing with his mother and brothers as well as his knack for handy work. Even at the onset of illness, Willies unrelenting will and determination gave him strength to press on. In spite of numerous health challenges, including kidney failure, Willie continued to work hard to support his family and Enjoy his Life. This was made possible by the generosity of a then stranger now friend, Bill Van Pelt (kidney donor). A true blessing from God! Willie made his transition to glory on Sunday, August 25th 2013. He was preceded in death by his eldest brother, Charles Morris and his mother, Lue Emma Morris. Willie leaves to cherish his memories, his loving, devoted, partner, wife and friend, CAROLYN; children, Willie Morris Jr., Andre Morris (Chalonne), Karolyn, Marketia, LaTonya and Kenyatta (Ronald); sisters, Yvonne Hunter (Nathaniel), Vivian Morris, Phyllis Waters (John), Audrey Elwell (Lester) and Deborah Bursey; brothers, Edward Morris Sr. (Bernadine), Kenneth Morris (Tracy), Anthony Morris (Terese) and Kevin Morris; 11 wonderful grandchildren, William, Jasmine, Julius, Will-Anthony, Courtney, Kaylynn, Andrea, Brooklyn, Ronald, Cameron and Kira; 4 Godchildren, Michael Motley, Melody Robinson, Allen Walker and Andre Debontae; beloved best friends, Billy Harris, Wilburn Milner, Jerry Chris, T.W, Sam and Jimmy; and a host of cousins, nieces and nephews, other relatives and friends. Special thanks to the Greater Harvest Family.

Tributes

Deacon Willie A. Morris Sr.

October 7, 1949 - August 25, 2013