Barbara Ellen Morrison

Barbara was born on April 16, 1942 in St. Albans, WV to Herbert and Pearl Strickland. She graduated from St. Albans High School and from Marshall University in Huntington, WV. She also achieved two masters degrees from Roosevelt University in Chicago, IL.

She met her loving husband Carlos Morrison in Huntington, WV. The two were married in 1969. Shortly after their wedding they moved to Bellwood, IL, a suburb of Chicago. In 2005, after their retirement, they relocated to Winding River in Bolivia, NC.

Barbara worked as a Special Education Teacher for 33 years at Proviso Area Exceptional Children (P.A.E.C) in Maywood, IL Her dedication as a compassionate, nurturing and loving teacher significantly improved the lives of thousands of children with disabilities.

Barbara was involved in the Illinois Teachers Union. She served as a Trustee for the town of Bellwood, IL. and also served as President of the Bellwood Kiwanis Club. Barbara and Carlos also owned and operated a deli called “BC’s - Just for the Health of It”. The BC was for Barbara and Carlos.

Barbara loved riding horses, collecting turtles, and bragging about her grandchildren. She was an amazing mother and grandmother. She loved unconditionally and became a second mom to all of her sons’ friends. She was incredibly resilient and found a way to manage through the tough times. Her most amazing quality was her ability to light up a room with her bright smile and warmth.

Later in life, Barbara enjoyed spending time at Holden Beach, dancing and seeing concerts. She loved Motown music and would always sing along to the Four Tops and the Temptations. “My Girl” was a family favorite and a highlight of both her sons’ weddings. She loved shag dancing with Carlos and they often drew applause from people watching them dance.

Barbara is survived by her son Kevin and his wife Sarah, her son Mark and his wife Brittany, her four grandchildren Natalie, Miles, Mia and Charlie, her brother Herbert Stickland, his wife Sherry and their children David, Danny and Robin, as well as her sister Janet Arredondo, her husband Hector and their children Melissa and Benjamin.

In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting that donations be made on her behalf to:

Alzheimer’s Association - https://www.alz.org

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.whitefuneralservicesupply.com for the Morrison family.