Virginia Catherine Morris

After a long journey with Alzheimer's, Virginia is enjoying a restored body and mind today.

She was a much-loved teacher for many years and taught first grade at Signal Mountain Elementary School from 1967-1983. Her journey began in Kings Mountain, NC as the second daughter of Rufus and Kathleene Plonk. Virginia loved people and was the social butterfly of the family, always making sure people were welcomed into the family gatherings.

When she was a young woman in the 1940s, she joined the American Red Cross and bravely traveled to Brussels, Belgium in a dangerous time and was willing to serve others in their time of need. Her love of travel was born there. In 1950, Virginia went alone to Japan to work in the American Army schools. It was in Japan that she met, Lovell Jason (L.J.) Morris, Jr., the love of her life. The couple married in 1952 and moved to France where both their children, Kathy and Jay were born. In 1962-64, Virginia taught in the American Army School in Izmir, Turkey. She was voted Who's Who Among America's Teachers in 1992.

Virginia was an avid gardner and could be seen with her trademark straw hat and her 'yard garb' working out in her yard on her beloved Signal Mountain. She was a member of the Signal Mountain Presbyterian Church and received the Honorary Life Membership Award in 1988. She was a faithful member the Garden Club, President of the Signal Mountain Community Guild, DAR, Delta Kappa Gamma, Signal Mountain Civic Council.

Always the consummate hostess, Virginia was the 'hostess with the mostest' and loved entertaining and welcoming people into her lovely home. Her love of people was evident as she taught her children, "dishes will wait...people won't!" She and L.J. loved bringing family and friends together over the dinner table to "sit and stay awhile."

At the end of her life, even while battling Alzheimer's Disease, Virginia had an attitude of gratitude to all who crossed her path. She was so grateful for everything that was done for her, and was a blessing in the midst of her illness. She spent the latter years of her life at Manorhouse Assisted Living and finally Alexian Healthcare on Signal Mountain.

She is preceded in death by her parents, husband, and 3 siblings (Nancy Sutton , Bill Plonk, and Martha Plonk).

Survivors include her children, Kathy (Darrell) Morgan, Jay (Tricia) Morris; Grandsons Jeffrey and Will (Haley) Morgan; Ben Doak, Alan (Elizabeth) Doak, Tommy Doak and Jason Morris. Sister Rachel P. Gladden. Several Nieces and Nephews.

Virginia will be missed but we rejoice in the knowledge that she is feasting at the Banqueting table of our Lord!

The family will receive friends Sunday June 3,2012 from 5 pm to 7 pm At Chattanooga Funeral Home- North Chapel

Celebration of Virginia’s life will be Conducted at the Signal Mountain Presbyterian Church Monday June 4, 2012 at 11:30 am with Dr. William E. Dudley officiating.

A private burial will be held at Chattanooga National Cemtery, where she will be laid to rest with her husband.

The family requests that Memorials be sent to Signal Mountain Presbyterian Church, the Chattanooga Chapter of the Alzheimer's Association or Hospice of Chattanooga.