Henriette Dargan Hampton Morris

Henriette Dargan Hampton Morris died on Wednesday, November 25, 2015 in Raleigh. Born on November 2, 1924 in Columbia, S.C., she was the daughter of Henriette DuBose Dargan and Ambrose Gonzales Hampton. She was raised in Columbia and then in Raleigh where she graduated from St. Mary’s School. She earned a degree in journalism from The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. After graduation, Henriette served as the assistant editor of the Raleigh Times, and wrote freelance reviews for newspapers throughout her life. At the age of seventy-five, she achieved a lifelong goal when her novel, Sisters in Love, was published.

Henriette married Ben Rankin Morris at Christ Church in Raleigh in 1946. They were married for 59 years and raised four children in Atlanta before moving to Columbia when Ben Morris became the CEO of the State Record Company and publisher of The State newspaper, a newspaper started by her great uncles in the late 19th century. Henriette was a voracious reader and an avid bridge player through her life. Known for her wit and intelligence, she was outspoken in her opinions regarding politics and current affairs. She traveled the world, but remained dedicated to her Southern roots. Lovingly called “Buzz,” she valued her family above all, and she was an adoring mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother.

Henriette was a member and served on the boards of the Junior Leagues of Raleigh, Atlanta, and Columbia. She was a member of the Colonial Dames and numerous PTAs. Over the years, she was an active member of Christ Church in Raleigh, St. Luke’s Episcopal Church in Atlanta, and Trinity Cathedral in Columbia.

Henriette is predeceased by her husband, as well as by her brother, Dr. Ambrose Gonzales Hampton, Jr. She is survived by her daughter and three sons: Ben Rankin Morris, Jr. and wife Martha, Wade Hampton Morris and wife Carter, Henriette Dargan Morris Williams and husband Blount, and Frank Page Morris and wife Page. She is also survived by ten grandchildren: Claire Morris Talebian (Bobby), Heyward Morris Fougerousse (J.P.), Wade Hampton Morris, Jr. (Megan), Judson Blount Williams, Jr. (Margaret), Henriette Dargan Williams-Alexander (Thomas), Nancy Rankin Williams McGugin (Bill), Caroline Hampton Williams Hofer (Nicholas), Frank Page Morris, Jr., Montgomery Rush Morris, and Ambrose Gonzales Hampton Morris; and by fifteen great-grandchildren.

The family wants to express their heartfelt gratitude to Dr. James Parsons for the extraordinary care he gave Henriette. They also want to thank her loving caregivers: Mary Njoroge, Jarsette Denning, Marian Denning, and Beth Maina; the staff at Mayview; and her team at Transitions Life Care.

A funeral service will be held on Sunday, November 29th at Trinity Cathedral graveyard in Columbia at 2pm.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Trinity Cathedral, Christ Church, and Transitions Life Care ( formerly Hospice of Wake County ).

Arrangements by Brown-Wynne Funeral Home, Saint Mary's St., Raleigh.