Melba P Morris

Melba Jeane Morris, age 101, was born in Minden, Louisiana, and spent her early childhood on a farm in Yellow Pine. She graduated from Fair Park High School and continued her education at Louisiana State Normal School (now Northwestern State University) in Natchitoches. She later earned a master’s degree from the University of the Philippines.

While in college, she met the love of her life, Edward Dwight Morris. They married and were blessed with two daughters, Tommye and Kristen.

During Edward’s thirty-eight-year career in the United States Air Force, Melba Jeane and Ed traveled extensively throughout the world. After his retirement, they settled in Shreveport, Louisiana, where they were active members of the Shreveport Country Club and Broadmoor Methodist Church. Later in life, Melba Jeane became a devoted member of the Seventh-day Adventist Church.

Melba Jeane was a dedicated wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother who embodied beauty, elegance, and style. She loved playing bridge, was an avid golfer, and read voraciously. She was passionate about her many hobbies, especially crossword puzzles, and had a deep affection for dogs. All who knew her were inspired by her positivity, grace, and resilience.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Colonel Edward Dwight Morris; her brother, Thomas Parker Pope Jr.; her father, Thomas Parker Pope Sr.; her mother, Gracie Mae Pope; and her grandson, Dr. Derrick Dwight Mouney.

She is survived by her daughters, Tommye J. Engelcke and Kristen E. Mouney; grandchildren Erik Engelcke (Lisa Engelcke), Stefanie Tatum, and Dr. Meredith Mouney (Dr. Alan Ralph); daughter-in-law Angel Schexneider, CRNA; and great-grandchildren Nathan Tatum, Jacob DeLaGarza, Theodore Ralph, Eleanor Ralph, Grace Mouney, and Graham Mouney.

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the caring staffs of Summer House at Vista Shores in New Orleans and The Oaks of Louisiana in Shreveport.

Melba Jeane Morris will be missed forever.