Deborah Morris

DEBORAH KAY MORRIS was born Friday, November 18, 1949. She went home to be with the Lord on Sunday, February 12, 2023, at the age of 73. She was preceded in death by her husband, John R. Morris Jr.; father, Thomas E. Hairston; mother, Ellen D. Hairston; and daughter, Elita M. King.

Deborah is survived by daughters, Felicia A. “Punkin” Bohanan and Carolyn D. “Carol” King; sisters, Sandra (Ronald) Williamson and Monica D. Little; grandchildren, Idelic Lashun and Morgan Brennae; great grandchildren, Idelisha and Idelic III; special “fur” granddogs, Toby, Bella, Izaak, Lucas, and Strip. Affectionately known as “Debbie,” she leaves not only her family to cherish her memory but her special friends of over 50 years, Iva Smith, Donna Stallings, and Joan Vasser.

Debbie was born in Charleston, West Virginia. At a very tender age, her parents relocated to Columbus, Ohio, where she attended Columbus Public Schools. She then went on to study Business Management at Columbus Technical Institute (CTI) and The Ohio State University.

Debbie began her career at the United States Postal Service (USPS) in 1968. She moved back to West Virginia after accepting a job promotion. It was there that she found, met, and married John, the love of her life. Debbie was the FIRST WOMAN AND WOMAN OF COLOR to serve in her position as Plant Manager for the Huntington, West Virginia post office. After 38 years of dedicated service with the USPS, she retired and then went to work for the State of West Virginia, Workforce Development. After working there for several years, she retired again, deciding that it was time for her to enjoy her retirement life.

Debbie was a member of Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church where she served on the Trustee Board as Treasurer and joyfully sang in the choir. She was a member of the Charleston Women’s Improvement League (oldest black women’s club in WV), where she served as VP from 2012-2015 and as Treasurer from 2019 until the onset of her illness. Being the avid book reader that she was, she was also a member of the Book Worms Book Club for many years.

Debbie was known for her infectious smile! She loved to serve in her community. She loved many things including watching movies and eating popcorn, hosting parties, cooking, coloring, decorating, gardening, playing Bid Whist, and talking on the phone! She loved T.J.Maxx, Walmart, Amazon, and SAMS CLUB! There were many things that she loved, but nothing could ever supersede the love she had for her family, especially her great grandchildren, “Suga Baby and Lee Lee,” as she so affectionately called them. DEBBIE WILL BE SINCERELY AND GREATLY MISSED AND ALWAYS LOVED.