Mary Willene Morgan

Mary Willene Morgan was born in Fayetteville, NC to David T. Morgan, Sr. and Bessie Herring Morgan on January 14, 1941. She grew up in Fayetteville and attended the city’s public schools. Willene was a precocious child with a phenomenal memory. She was fun-loving, had a delightful personality, and those who knew her well never doubted her propensity for independence. At the age of 12, Willene held her first job, answering the phone for a plumbing company. A life-long movie lover, her favorite movies were The Godfather and Gone with the Wind. By her first husband, John Chismar, she had two sons, John David Chismar and Gary Elbert Chismar. Around 1960, Willene and her husband John, moved to Jacksonville, Florida, where she became a resident of that city for the remainder of her life. A third son, Daniel Morgan Sterritt, was born to her and her second husband, Arthur Paul Sterritt.

Approaching her middle years, Willene decided to become a paralegal. She successfully completed her training for that occupation and served several legal firms in Jacksonville with distinction. Never without work in that field, she remained on the job until a struggle with cancer made it impossible for her to continue. In addition to her professional career, Willene volunteered her time, and cooking talents, at Tradition House. Tradition House is a safe, secure residence for adult men wishing to recover from the problems resulting from substance abuse, and to return to employment and a productive lifestyle.

After a valiant battle against cancer, Willene passed away in St. Vincent’s Hospital in Jacksonville on November 15th. She was preceded in death by her parents and her first son David. She is survived by her second son Gary (Katherine) of Tallahassee, FL, her third son Daniel of Concord, NH, her brother David T. Morgan. Jr. (Judith) of Montevallo, AL, five grandchildren, a niece and nephew, and her fiancé Mr. Leigh Johnson of Jacksonville, FL.

Willene was well-loved by her family, those close to her, those with whom she worked, and those who knew her well. Willene will truly be missed. Willene wanted it said that the last 22 years of her life were the happiest, with the “love of her life”, Leigh Johnson.

A memorial service for Willene will be held December 2nd at 10:00 AM, at Riverside Presbyterian Church, 849 Park Street, Jacksonville, FL 32204. In lieu of flowers, a donation to Riverside Tradition House would be appreciated. Donations can be made online at www.thjax.org or mailed to 2911 Riverside Avenue, Jacksonville, FL, 32205.

HARDAGE-GIDDENS FUNERAL HOME, 729 S. Edgewood Avenue, Jacksonville, FL 32205 is serving the family.