Marjorie B. Morrison

Marjorie graduated as Salutatorian from Charlton-Pollard High School in Beaumont. At just 15, she received several scholarship offers but moved to Denver to live with relatives and applied to Colorado Women's College. Although accepted, she was later denied admission, so she enrolled and graduated from Emily Griffith Opportunity School, graduating years later. Marjorie later studied at Denver University's School of Commerce.

On June 16, 1948, she married George Morrison, Jr. at Scott United Methodist Church in Denver. Together, they raised two daughters, Vicki and Trudi. Her beloved husband of 67 years passed away in 2015.

Marjorie was a trailblazer for civil rights in Denver. In 1947, she led efforts with the Urban League to end discrimination at Colorado Women's College. She became the first black stenographer in the Colorado State Senate in 1953 and, in 1955, was appointed as a secretary to Denver Mayor Will F. Nicholson. She fought against racial discrimination, notably challenging Denver’s banking practices in 1958 that sought to exclude black homebuyers in Park Hill. Her determination resulted in securing a home loan after standing firm against discriminatory policies.

In 1959, during Denver's Centennial Celebration, Marjorie ensured that Black honorees were included in the event. She also advocated for her daughters during the difficult process of school integration, eventually declining a mayoral reappointment to support them through racial adversity.

Marjorie continued to break barriers as the first Black mayoral appointee in 1955, holding significant roles under several Denver mayors. She also worked with Governor John Love as a member of the 2nd Judicial Nominating Commission, advocating for the appointment of Black judges like Morris Cole and Raymond Jones.

During the 1970s, Marjorie shared her wisdom through "Marjorie Morrison's Homemaker Tips" on KDKO radio, which later became nationally syndicated. From 1972 to 1987, she served as Executive Secretary to four different Managers of Safety in Denver. Marjorie retired in 1987 after serving under six mayoral administrations from 1947 to 1987.

Her family was her greatest joy. Marjorie and her husband spent many years caring for and supporting their first grandchild, Simone, attending school and church activities with pride. She was a longtime member of Shorter A.M.E. Church serving in many capacities, including the Matrons Club, steward, and chair of the Commission on Public Relations. She was also an Honorary Worthy Matron of Lone Star Chapter No. 1, Order of Eastern Star Prince Hall Affiliate.

Marjorie is survived by her daughters, Vicki Morrison-Sloan and Trudi Michelle Morrison (Ronnie Davis); grandchildren, Simone Danielle and Logan Morrison Saunders; great-grandchildren, Gavin Morrison Ross and Zoe Monroe Ross; nephew, George Morrison Bailey; and nieces, Pat Martins and Nadine Foster. She will be dearly missed by many nieces, nephews, cousins, and beloved friends.

The visitation for Marjorie will be held Tuesday, September 24, 2024 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at Shorter Community AME Church, 3100 Richard Allen Ct, Denver, CO 80205. The funeral service will occur Tuesday, September 24, 2024 from 11:00 AM, 3100 Richard Allen Ct, Denver, CO 80205. The entombment service will be Wednesday, September 25, 2024 from 12:30 PM at Olinger Highland Mortuary & Cemetery Mausoleum, 10201 Grant St, Thornton, CO 80229.