Florence Rebecca Ridenour Morris

Florence R. Morris, 85, of 1809 McDonald Lane, Raleigh, passed away peacefully to the sound of birds singing on March 28, a beautiful spring day that she would have loved working in her yard. The daughter of Florence L. and Watson M. Ridenour, Flo was born in Jersey City, N.J., on February 4, 1927 and grew up in Rahway, N.J. She was preceded in death by her parents and her husband of 56 years, A. Carlyle Morris. She is survived by her daughter, Anne E. Morris; two sons, Ashley C. Morris Jr. and Christopher R. Morris (Julie); two grandsons, W. Christopher Morris and Michael J. Morris, all of Raleigh, and brother Watson M. Ridenour of Ocean, N.J.

While working at Eastover, a resort in Massachusetts’ Berkshire Mountains, in the summer of 1950, Flo met Carlyle Morris of Raleigh, another summer employee. They became engaged later that year and were married the following summer.

Upon marrying and moving to Raleigh, Flo worked briefly with Motors Insurance Company before leaving to raise a family. After her children were grown, she returned to the workforce on a part-time basis with College Foundation of North Carolina. Flo enjoyed her time at College Foundation and the relationships she developed with many of her co-workers, continuing to speak of them fondly long after her retirement.

From the time as a child that she received a seedling in Sunday school class and planted it in her backyard, Flo was in love with gardening. On long daily walks through the neighborhoods in the area around her Raleigh home, Flo would always admire the lovely yards and gardens along the way, often striking up a conversation with a fellow gardener.

Rare was the time that Flo would visit a sick friend or neighbor without bringing along a bouquet of flowers picked from her yard, and throughout the blooming season, flowers always graced her kitchen table. Whether pruning an azalea, picking daffodils, planting tomatoes or simply pulling weeds, Flo’s happiest times were spent in the fresh air and sunshine, enjoying the gifts of nature. “Stop and smell the roses” was more than just an expression for Flo; it was truly the way she lived her life. She will be deeply missed by all those who loved her.

The family wishes to thank the staff of Sunrise of Cary, where Flo lived for the last three years, particularly those on third shift who shared their late night pizza. The family is also grateful to Hospice of Wake County for the care and compassion they showed Flo during her final days.

Funeral services will be held at White Memorial Presbyterian Church, 1704 Oberlin Road, on Monday, April 2 at 10:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the J. C. Raulston Arboretum, Dept. of Horticultural Science, NCSU, Campus Box 7522, Raleigh, N.C., 27695-7522, providing a lasting gift in Flo’s memory for others to enjoy. Arrangements are by Brown-Wynne Funeral Home, 300 St. Mary’s St., Raleigh, N.C. 27605, (919) 828-4311.