Mary Emily Dalton Morgan

MORGAN, Mary Emily Dalton, 91, of Richmond, departed this life on August 20, 2017. She was predeceased by her husband of 57 years, Gerald Morgan Jr.; and her parents, Charles and Emily Dalton. Mary is survived by her two sons, David Morgan (Susan) and John Morgan (Cheryl); and her daughter, Nancy Patterson (Rick); as well as six grandchildren. Mary was born and raised in Rochester, N.Y., and graduated from her beloved University of Rochester in 1947, a class consisting almost entirely of women due to the war. She continued on to Radcliffe College, where she earned a graduate degree in Hospital Administration. Mary met her future husband, Gerald, in a music appreciation class in Manhattan. After marrying in 1953 and briefly residing in the city, "Jerry" requested a transfer to a place they considered more conducive to raising a family. As a result, the pair moved to Richmond in 1955. Years later, when Jerry opened the Jerritt & Morgan record store, Mary contributed to the business by typing up and mailing the monthly invoices. In time, she also assisted customers and grew its sheet music department, building a sizable clientele of local piano teachers and university music departments. Mary worked retailer's hours plus some, yet daily prepared hot breakfasts, packed lunches and cooked dinners for her family. In retirement, Mary volunteered at Hospital Hospitality House (now Doorways) and was a longtime, devoted member of the Altar Guild at Manakin Episcopal Church. She joined the morning walkers at the Chesterfield mall and came to regularly lead the calisthenics portion until the age of 85. She was a member of her cherished bridge club for 67 years. A kind, thoughtful and generous lady, Mary will be fondly remembered. The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, August 24, 2017, at the Woody Funeral Home Parham Chapel. A memorial service will be held at Manakin Episcopal Church, 985 Huguenot Trail, Midlothian, Va. 23113 on Friday, August 25, at 11 a.m. Interment will be private at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the University of Rochester-the Charles R. Dalton Scholarship (www.rochester.edu/giving), Doorways, or Manakin Episcopal Church.