MORRIS

Bessie Evanell Johnson Morris, 75, departed this life Sunday, June 16, 2013.

The second of eight children, she was born in Varnado on Oct. 16, 1937, to Rebecca Forbes Johnson and Henry Johnson. She attended Jones Creek Elementary and Wesley Ray High School. She enjoyed reading and reciting poetry, and one of her favorite poems was “All Things Bright and Beautiful,” by Cecil Frances Alexander.

Bessie was baptized at Mary’s Chapel Methodist Church (currently, Mary’s Chapel United Methodist Church) in Varnado, when she was 13. She was very active in Sunday School, Youth Group and sang in the choir.

In 1955, Bessie united in holy matrimony with Curbie Lee Morris. She later married Tom Ike Spikes and they had one son. In 1972, Bessie remarried Curbie, the love of her life. Together they raised 5 children — three daughters and two sons.

Also in 1972 she became a member of Evangelical Church of God In Christ, under the leadership of Bishop Edward Cyprian. During her more than 40 years of service, she served on the Deaconess Board, Missionary Board, as Sunday school secretary, correspondent secretary, and she also worked with the Feed My Sheep Ministry. She also was a member of the Folsom Community Mission. As a missionary, she visited the sick and shut-in, and visited nursing homes. She remained a faithful member serving under various leaderships until her health would not allow her to so.

Cherishing and celebrating her life are her children, Lucinda M. Roberts, Sheila M. Brown (Milton), Gevondelear NiCole Morris and Preston T. Morris; 10 grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; four sisters; one brother; and a host of other relatives, church family, friends and loved ones.

Her husband, Deacon Curbie Lee Morris, and a son, Thomas F. Spikes, preceded her in death.

Visitation will be held Saturday, June 29 at Evangelical Church of God in Christ in Folsom from 9 a.m. until time for the funeral service at 11 a.m., with the Rev. Larry Bickham officiating. Interment will foll0ow at Hay hollow Cemetery in Folsom.

Cook-Richmond Funeral Home of Franklinton is in charge of arrangements.