Martha J Morris' Obituary
Mother Martha Morris was born on June 18, 1936 in Washington, D.C. to the late Deacon David Smith, and Mother Hattie Smith. She was one of three children born to Deacon and Mother Smith. Mother Morris attended D.C. Public Schools. Smothers Elementary School, Kelly Miller Junior High School, and she graduated from Spingarn High School in 1954 along with the late great National Basketball Hall of Fame player and legend Elgin Baylor. Mother Morris grew up at the Temple Church of God in Christ. As a teenager she met the love of her life a young man from Birmingham, Alabama the late Pastor Fred D. Morris, Sr at the Temple Church of God in Christ. They were united in Holy Matrimony by the late Bishop Samuel Kelsey in the year of August 1955. To this union (2) sons were born Fred (Danny) Jr. and Ronald David Morris. Mother Morris worked previously for the Federal Government. Department of Navy, and the U.S. Census Department. Mother Morris retired after working over 20 years for the D.C. Government in the Department of Motor Vehicles, she assisted many COGIC church members to get through the long DMV lines. She retired from there in 1979.
Mother Morris participated in various choirs and Auxiliaries at Kelsey Temple, and within the Washington, DC Jurisdiction. Being a part of the Christian Women’s Council was very special to her. She also loved to work with overseeing that the church was decorated to the liking of Bishop Kelsey, and Pastor Morris, Sr. for the holidays, and other special occasions. For years the late Bishop Sherman Howard had a prayer breakfast every year during the Jurisdictional Holy Convocation. She oversaw organizing that event for Bishop Howard. She was also the former President of the Elders and Ministers Wife’s within the Jurisdiction. Finally becoming the 1st Lady of Kelsey Temple in 1993 under her husband the Pastor Fred Morris, Sr. As the 1st Lady of Kelsey Temple she worked in various areas within the church assuring that the Pastor’s programs moved forward to his desires.
Mother Morris was preceded in Death by her Husband Pastor Fred D. Morris, Sr. Her Parents Deacon David Smith, and Mother Hattie Smith and her twin sister, Mary Jean Smith.
She leaves to cherish the loving memories of her two sons Fred Danny Jr. (Shernita), Ronald David Morris, 9 grandchildren, 9 great grandchildren, and 1 great great granddaughter. One Sister Beatrice Cortez of Amarillo, Texas, and a host of nieces, and nephews. A loving God Daughter Janice Parker Chisholm (Steve), along with a special childhood friend Mrs. Georgene Ferguson-Stevens, and a special friend Sister Helen Summers. Along with the entire Kelsey Temple church family.
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