Gloria Myrtle Rose Morris

With deep regret, we announce the passing of our mother, Gloria Morris, who departed at 9:45 AM on Saturday, August 9, at Scarborough Grace Hospital in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Gloria spent her final moments peacefully, surrounded by her loved ones: daughters Jacqueline Morris and Dianne Morris-Gillespie; sons Devon Morris and Douglas Stewart; daughter-in-law LaVern Morris; son-in-law Valdie Gillespie; niece Dorothy Reid; granddaughters Sarah Elchuk, Sydney Morris, Thiana Gillespie, Alexandrya Morris-Rennie and her partner Myles Sterling; grand-son-in-law David Elchuk; caregiver Bode Queen Thompson; and family friends Claude Richards and Juliette Allman Johnson.

Gloria was born on August 29, 1936, in Claremont, Saint Ann, Jamaica, and nearly reached her 89th birthday. She was well known for her tenacious and candid nature, often providing thoughtful advice to family, friends, and neighbours. Dedicated to service, she contributed generously for five decades to Global Kingdom Ministries, participating faithfully in the congregation and as a choir member. A nurturing and grounding mother for whom it was most important that her children, grandchildren and extended family members felt deeply loved and cared for.

Throughout her career, Gloria was a skilled seamstress, a trusted child-caregiver, and a diligent administrator with Ministry of Housing, supporting her family alongside her late husband, Frank Morris. Renowned for her unwavering support, wisdom, and compassion, she was cherished by both her family and the broader community, leaving a lasting legacy of kindness and resilience.

Gloria is survived by her sisters Ventrice Heron and Doreen Smalling and several paternal siblings; sisters-in-law Selena Reid and Kathleen Lewis; brothers-in-law Fonseco Davis, Albert Smalling and Joe Heron; nieces Jennifer Atkinson, Maureen Samuels, Hillary Newell, Petrina Ramsey, Makeda Grant; nephews Michael Bennet, Andrew Smalling, Jerry Johnson, Ricky Johnson, Errol Grant; adopted son Junior Harrison and a host of extended family, friends, and community members who were touched by her warmth and generosity.

Friends and family are invited to commemorate Gloria’s life and celebrate her legacy on Saturday, September 20, 2025, at Global Kingdom Ministries, 1250 Markham Road, Scarborough, Ontario. Visitation will begin at 9:00 AM, followed by a service at 11:00 AM and interment at Pine Ridge Memorial Gardens, 1757 Church Street North, Ajax, Ontario. A repast will be held at Global Kingdom Ministries following the interment. Flowers and memorial gifts are welcome but not required; donations may be made to any of the following: Shepherd Village, The Alzheimer Society of Toronto, Global Kingdom Ministries or Sickle Cell Association of Ontario.

In remembrance of Gloria’s vibrant and dynamic spirit attendees are encouraged to wear colours and prints if possible.

A livestream link will be available here on the day of the funeral.