Hallie L. Morris' Obituary
MORRIS, MRS. HALLIE PARR LAY, 98, passed away peacefully on Saturday, July 10, 2010. She was preceded in death by her husband of fifty years, Clarence C. (CC) Morris: her eldest son, William Joseph (Bill) Morris; her youngest son, James Herman (Jim) Morris; her beloved brother, Herman W. Lay, and her cherished first cousin, Allen Parr Lawrence. She is survived by her remaining son, Clarence Warden (Ward) Morris (Carolyn), of Atlanta; and by her four grandchildren, Thomas Warden Morris, MD, William Fletcher Morris, CPA, (Melinda), both of Atlanta; and by Linda Morris Neely (William), of Haslett, NJ, and Kathleen Elizabeth Morris of Charlotte, NC; and by five great-grandchildren. Hallie Parr Lay was born in Charleston, SC, on July 4, 1912. Her parents were the late Jesse Newton Lay and Bertha Parr Lay. Her mother died while Hallie and her older brother, Herman W. Lay, were still in grammar school, so the young children spent their summers and holidays with their aunt, Edie Parr Lawrence, in Nashville, TN. After high school, Hallie moved permanently to Nashville and, after completing a secretarial course, found employment in the middle of the Great Depression. Though times were difficult, she remained employed for several years. Early in 1934, she met Clarence C. (CC) Morris, a bright and ambitious accountant, and they married in the fall of the same year. In 1935 CC and Hallie were transferred to Brooklyn, NY, where they stayed for two years. By then all three of the boys had been born. In 1937, CC accepted a transfer from NY to Miami, a welcome move from the New England winters. They liked South Florida so much the couple lived in the Miami area for the rest of their lives. In 1992, several years after CC's death, Hallie moved from the Biltmore II condominium in Coral Gables to the East Ridge Retirement Village just a few months before the arrival of Hurricane Andrew. Although the Village suffered some damage, it was promptly rebuilt better than ever and Hallie happily lived there until her death. Since she was born on the Fourth of July, Hallie early realized she had a special relationship with America. She felt a personal obligation to be an active informed citizen and to participate in civic affairs by voting in every presidential election and by supporting American veterans. Independence Day was her favorite holiday, which she celebrated with her family every year. Soon after their arrival in Miami, the young family joined the Shenandoah Presbyterian Church, where they remained members until the church was sold several years ago. Hallie was a member of the Shenandoah Church's Women's Circle, and the Shenandoah Garden Club. In addition, she was a member of a number of service and cultural organizations in the Miami area: PEO, Coral Gables Women's Club, Coral Gables Country Club, Flamingo Diner's Club, and the Viscaya Foundation. She was a sponsor of the Fairchild Tropical Garden for over forty years, and was recently honored for her long commitment there. The family wishes to recognize with deep gratitude the years of loving care provided to Hallie by her companions and CNAs; Rosella Grace, Sora Deacon, Pauline Gentles, Curline Shields- Allen and Annie Gould. A memorial service will be held on Tuesday, July 20, 2010 at 10:00 AM in the Chapel at East Ridge Village, 19301 SW 87th Avenue, Cutler Bay, FL 33157. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a donation to a favorite charity. VAN ORSDEL - CORAL GABLES 4600 SW 8 St. (305) 446-4412 Family Owned Since 1924 www.VanOrsdel.com
What’s your fondest memory of Hallie L.?
What’s a lesson you learned from Hallie L.?
Share a story where Hallie L.'s kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Hallie L. you’ll never forget.
How did Hallie L. make you smile?