Lela Mae Morris

Lela Mae Bradbury was born November 9, 1915 in Joseph, Texas in Waller County, which was founded by her grandfather. She was the firstborn of Thomas Leslie Bradbury and Estella Williams Bradbury.

In 1934 Lela Mae graduated from Robert E. Lee High School in Baytown, Texas and loved cheering with the Ganderette Pep Squad. She studied at Draughon’s Business College and graduated from Lee College. She worked as a legal secretary, a bookkeeper, and dental assistant.

Lela Mae and Al Morris were married in Baytown in 1940. They lived in Beaumont, Houston, Freeport and then moved to Lake Jackson in 1952.

Lela Mae was employed at the Lavelle dress shop for several years before beginning her work at the Lake Jackson Intermediate School, Beutel Elementary School, Brazoswood High School, and then returning to Lake Jackson Intermediate, where she worked until her retirement in 1972. She adored all her students and they continued to visit her in her home with their children. Her students often told how she had influenced their love of reading and books.

Lela Mae was an active member of the First Baptist Church of Lake Jackson for over 60 years. She was also very active with numerous organizations. Lela Mae was a third generation Texas and avid genealogist. Lela Mae was an Honorary President of the Daughters of the Republic of Texas, and had served as the Chapter President, Registrar and State Treasurer. She was also a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution and the U.S. Daughters of 1812. Among her many other interests Lela Mae loved gardening, oil and china painting, and entertaining her many friends.

All the while, she was blessed with her family, many cherished friends, and the love of her former students. Until the last days of her life, her loving nature and keen mind blessed those who spent time with her.

Lela Mae was preceded in death by her parents, sisters, brother, beloved husband, Al Morris, and precious daughter Jean Morris Delmar. She is survived by her son, Al Morris, Jr. and wife Shirley of Sherman, Texas; Grandchildren Traci Lynn Morris Killion (David); Joseph D. Morris (Allyson); Kevin Michael Morris; Richard Delmar, Jr.; and Melody Kay Delmar Butler (Mitchell). In addition, Lela Mae 10 great grandchildren, 4 great-great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

Pallbearers will be Joseph Morris, Kevin Morris, Richard Delmar, Jack Delmar, Mitchell Delmar and Merritt Delmar.

A Visitation with Friends and Family will be held on Monday January 4 2015 at Restwood Funeral Home starting at 10:00am, with the Funeral service following at 1:00pm

In lieu of flowers family request donations to the Creekside Community Church of Oyster Creek or the First Baptist Church Library of Lake Jackson.