Obituary of Phyllis Jean Morris

Phyllis J. Morris, 96, of Lamar, MO passed away on December 12, 2022. She was born on September 24, 1926, in Mt Vernon, MO to Mabel (Coffman) and Arthur Craven. She grew up in the Springfield area and graduated from Central High School in 1945. On June 9, 1946, she married Wayne G. Morris in Springfield, MO and they remained married for 58 years until his death in 2001. They had a wonderful marriage where they not only loved one another but were best friends. Phyllis was a dedicated mother whose life revolved around her sons. She was also a talented artist who painted in several medias including watercolor and oil. She helped to run the family business, Morris Farm Supply, and had a Tole Painting shop there where she also taught. She and Wayne enjoyed traveling together and explored many locations including Germany, Costa Rica, and Hawaii. Phyllis was well loved and had many families in addition to her immediate family. She had her families at Dairy Queen, Morris Farm Supply, First Baptist Church, her children's friends, and the staff at Truman Health Care. She loved each group and made them a special part of her life. Phyllis is survived by her sons Kirk Morris and wife Sue of Broken Arrow, OK, Kent Morris and wife Melody of Nixa, MO, Kevin Morris and wife Jan of Estes Park, CO, and Kim Morris and wife Vickie of Lamar, MO; grandchildren Sarah Demster and husband Joe of Clever, MO, Zachary Morris and finance Mary of Columbia, MO, Kelli McKinley and husband Sean of Houston, TX, Brian Morris and wife Morgan of Virginia Beach, VA, Catherine Gustafson and husband Nathan of Camdenton, MO, Benjamin Morris and wife Sarah of Moro, IL, and Andrew Morris of Oklahoma City, OK; and great grandchildren William, David, Paul, Henry, Moriah, Roland, Marigold, and Wayne. She is also survived by her "fifth son" Hector L. Sepulveda of Monterrey, N. L., Mexico, who came as a foreign exchange student and has remained a family member for 43 years; and by many other loving family members. She is preceded in death by her parents; husband; and granddaughter Charity Morris. The family held a private graveside service on Wednesday December 14, 2022 and a memorial service will be held at First Baptist Church in Lamar, MO at 2 PM on Saturday January 28, 2023. A time to visit with the family will follow from the end of the service until 4 PM in the Family Life Center of the First Baptist Church in Lamar.