Mary Joann Morris

Mary Joann Morris, 86, of Springfield, passed away at 2:50 p.m. on Sunday, January 27, 2019, at Country Lane Memory Care in Riverton. Mary was born on October 27, 1932, in Centralia, the daughter of George Otto and Mildred Roxella Thomas Schuchmann. She married Dempsey H. Morris on March 9, 1952, in Centralia; he preceded her in death on January 9, 2003. She was employed with the State of Illinois for 20 years. She was first employed with the Department of Public Health for 16 years and then the Department of Nuclear Safety for 4 years until her retirement, where she analyzed drinking water to meet federal standards. Mary was a member of and helped build Elm Street Christian Church. She expressed her love to her family through crafts and sewing. She was passionate about gardening in her backyard and loved her lilies. Mary was also preceded in death by her parents; brothers, Richard George Schuchmann and Jerry Lee Schuchmann; and sisters, Norma Jean Rueter and Mildred Sue Carson. She is survived by her sons, Steven Ray Morris of Spaulding, David Keith (Gloria) Morris of Beaver Creek, OH, and George Minor Morris of Waggoner; four grandchildren, Miranda (Steven) Honigman of Springfield, Christopher (Dana) Morris of Raymond, Dee Dempsey (Christina) Morris of Summerville, SC, and Jennifer (Nick) Taylor of Denver, CO; ten great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. Visitation: Family will receive friends from 5:00-7:00 p.m. on Thursday, January 31, 2019, at Kirlin-Egan & Butler Funeral Home, 900 S. 6th St., Springfield. Funeral Ceremony: 10:30 a.m. on Friday, February 1, 2019, at Kirlin-Egan & Butler Funeral Home with Rev. Mark Emerson officiating. Burial will follow at Camp Butler National Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Elm Street Christian Church, 3020 Elm St., Springfield, IL 62702 or Country Lane Memory Care, 875 Riverton Rd., Riverton, IL 62561.