Olga Hester Morris

Born on August 14, 1935, in Nauvoo, Alabama, Olga grew up in Sheffield, Alabama, where her warmth and friendliness took root early. She carried those qualities with her throughout her life. She attended Florence State Teachers College and began her career teaching girls’ physical education. After college, she moved to Decatur with several close friends and began what would become a meaningful 30-year career in physical education, including 21 years at Decatur High School. She was not the kind of teacher who stood on the sidelines. Olga participated alongside her students, encouraged them, laughed with them, and got to know them as individuals. Many of her former students remained lifelong friends, a testament to the genuine care she showed each person she taught.

In 1958, Olga met Earl Morris at a county-wide teachers’ meeting. This marked the beginning of a love story and partnership that would span 67 wonderful years of marriage. Olga and Earl were truly a team. Through his coaching years, his military service, her own teaching career, and their shared life in Decatur, Olga was an essential presence. She supported everything they built together with quiet strength, loyalty, and love. Their marriage was grounded in deep devotion and a partnership that endured through every season of life.

Olga was a devoted mother to her son, Joe, who passed away 20 years ago. Their bond was especially close. They were not only mother and son, but also best friends. Joe adored his mother, and she adored him. They shared countless memories together, from trips and picnics to movies and simple time spent side by side. Joe always made sure his mother was comfortable and cared for, and she took great joy in the life they shared. Losing him was the greatest heartbreak of Olga’s life, and her family finds comfort in knowing they are reunited.

Olga never met a stranger, and to the many people who knew and loved her, she was simply “O,” a nickname that reflected both her personality and the closeness she shared with others. Olga found joy in being with others. She loved spending time with her many friends, going “junking,” as she called her outings to yard sales and thrift stores, playing Bunco, attending games with her teaching friends, and going to church on Sundays. She had a generous and open heart, especially for those who were sick or in need. Olga noticed people in a way that made them feel seen, cared for them sincerely, and was always there when they needed her. Olga will be remembered for her kindness, her strength, her humor, and the way she made people feel welcome and valued. She lived a life centered on love, friendship, faith, and family. The people who knew her were better for having known her, and her memory will remain a lasting blessing to all who loved her.

She is survived by her husband, Earl Morris; her grandchildren, Chase Morris and Victoria Morris; her daughter-in-law, Susan Morris Rotenstreich; and many nieces and nephews whom she adored and who adored her in return.

She was preceded in death by her son, Joseph Earl Morris; her parents, Forrest Nelson Hester and Audra Chase Hester; her sisters, Nell Hester Milam and Ann Hester Casiday; and her brother, Wyche Sparks Hester.

The family would like to express their sincere gratitude to the many friends and neighbors, as well as her beloved former students, for their support, and to her caregivers for their love and devotion.

Visitation will be held from 11 to 1 PM on Sunday, May 3rd, at Roselawn Funeral Home in Decatur, followed by a Celebration of Life service at 1 PM Burial will follow at Roselawn Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of the Valley, Decatur Church of Christ, or a charity of your choosing.