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Obituaries

Obituary for Lois Simms Benns Morris Lois Simms Benns Morris
Beverlyville Native Was Recognized Eastern Star Member, Library Science Professional

Lois Simms Benns Morris, retired educator, of 324 C Street, Clifton Forge, Virginia, died on Monday, April 18, 2016 at the Brian Center Nursing Home, Low Moor.

She was 83. Sister Morris, the youngest of four children, was born on September 30, 1932 in Beverlyville, Virginia.

She was the daughter of the late Rielly Van Buren and Georgia Simms Benns.

Three sisters preceded her in death.

She joined Shiloh Baptist Church at an early age under the pastorate of Dr. H. M. Ruffin. Sister Morris attended Northumberland County Public Schools and graduated from Julius Rosenwald High School at the age of 16 in 1949, where she was Salutatorian of her class.

Because of her love for education, she furthered her studies by graduating from Virginia State College with a degree in Library Science. Sister Morris served as Librarian at Jefferson High School, Clifton Forge High School, and Clifton Middle School. She retired in 2001 after 47 years of service.

On July 12, 1958, she married Charles Perkins Morris, Jr., who preceded her in death on July 14, 1983. To that union was born one son, Charles Van Buren Morris. After moving to Clifton Forge in 1954, she joined Main Street Baptist Church under the pastorate of Dr. A. A. Womack. She was formerly a member of the Senior Usher Board, helped with Vacation Bible School and served as an Assistant Musician for the Youth Choir in the late sixties. She served as Church Clerk from 1983 until 2014, until her health failed. Main Street Baptist Church honored her in 2005.

She was a former member of the MM Club and the LLL Club. In 1960, she joined Phyllis Wheatley Chapter # 199 Order of the Eastern Star, where she served as Grand District Deputy for a number of years. In 2000, she began her journey to become Grand Worthy Matron. On December 7, 2014, Lois was "on cloud nine" as she received her Past Grand Worthy Matron collar from Grand Worthy Matron Robin Brown. This day was one of the greatest days in Lois's life.

Loved and respected by family, friends, students and neighbors, she was always willing to extend a helping hand whenever she could.

Sister Morris leaves to cherish fond memories one son, Charles Van Buren "Van" Morris of Roanoke; four granddaughters, Lakeisha Watson of Columbus, OH, Shamaya A. Morris and Vanetta C. Morris of Charleston, WV, and Lindsey Morris of Morgantown, WV; a grandson, Brandon L. Morris of Morgantown, WV; a niece, Thomasyne Acree and husband, Raymond of Reedville; a great niece, Cheryl B. Jones, and a great-great niece, JaraƩ E. Jones, both of Virginia Beach; a great nephew, Raymond Acree III of Reedville; a niece-in-law, Queen S. Butler of Mechanicsville; a dear friend and caregiver, Robin Allen of Iron Gate; a god-daughter, Karen Megginson Stump of Roanoke; a dear friend, Mr. Clevie Wallace; her extended relatives, the Wallace Children; as well as cousins, other relatives, former students, and many, many friends.

A funeral service will be conducted on Saturday, April 23, 2016 at 1:00 p.m. in Main Street Baptist Church, Clifton Forge, with Reverend Matthew T. Barnette, Sr. officiating, and Reverend Preston Tyler as Eulogist. Interment will follow in Red Hill Cemetery, Clifton Forge.

The family will receive friends on Saturday from 12:00 p.m. until the time of service at Main Street Baptist Church and other times at the home of Robin Allen, 23711 Botetourt Road, Iron Gate, VA.

The Nicely Funeral Home, Clifton Forge, is handling arrangements.