Merle H. Morgan

Merle Holloway Morgan passed away Tuesday evening, March 4 in Sun City Center. She was 93. A Louisiana native, she met and married Edward Morgan in Vicksburg, MS in 1940. In 1942 they made Tampa their home, and lived in the bay area the rest of their lives. After raising her three children, Mrs. Morgan returned to nursing school, becoming certified as a Registered Nurse. She remained active as a nurse into her 80’s. She traveled extensively, both domestically and internationally. She was a long time member of Apostles Lutheran Church in Brandon, serving in many capacities there. She was also a strong supporter and benefactor of Lutheran Outdoor Ministries, especially the Luther Springs program, where the Morgan Village was named in her honor. Mrs. Morgan survived her husband, who passed in 1986, and her son John Douglas, who passed in 2010. She is survived by her son, Edward Morgan, Jr. of Orange, CA, and Janet Mistretta of St. Petersburg Beach. She leaves six grandchildren, and seven great-grandchildren, as well as four sisters in Texas, and innumerable nieces and nephews. She was a loyal wife and mother, a committed daughter, a dedicated nurse and volunteer, a devoted Christian, a world traveler, a great gardener, a master seamstress, and a prize winning doll maker. She touched many lives, and inspired many to preserve and to strive for excellence. She never quit. Her memorial service will be held at 3:30 PM on Saturday, March 8 at Hillsboro Memorial Gardens in Brandon, preceded by a viewing at 2:30 PM.