Laura Genell Morris was born on April 17th 1945 in Ponta, Texas to the late Oscar Henderson and Lorene Freeney. She was the oldest of four children. Laura, "Nell" as her family affectionately called her was a beautiful and strong woman with a sweet spirit. She spent her childhood in Jacksonville, Texas where she attended New Summerfield middle school and Fred Douglas High school. It is at these places her love for academics began.
Upon graduating from Highschool Laura moved to California and married her childhood sweetheart Melvin Oscar Morris in 1964. To this 60-year union they had two beautiful kids, Andrea Renee and Melvin Todd. Laura passion for academics led her to the field of education. She worked for 25 plus years in administration for the Los Angeles Unified School District. Laura continually pushed education and higher learning amongst the students and young people she encountered. In the year 2007 she retired from the Los Angeles School District.
In the year of 1964 Laura joined the Brightstar C.O.G.I.C under the late Pastor Wesley Dickson. She loved h e r church a n d found i t a privilege to serve under her Pastors; The late Pastor Dickson, the late Pastor Supt. Odell Heard and now Administrative Pastor Addie Heard. Her devotion and love for God was displayed through her commitment to her church and the way she served God's people. At Brightstar she served as an Usher Board President, as a Church Secretary, a member of Hospitality, a Sunday School/YPWW teacher as well as a many other auxiliaries. Under the Metropolitan Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction, she received her Evangelist license. She also served as the Asst. District Missionary under the late District Missionary Geneva Dobbins. Laura was faithful to her church and district till the end. Laura loved life. She enjoyed traveling with her husband Melvin, shopping rather with friends or family, cooking, visiting the sick, working in the church, talking on the phone with her friend Pastor Heard and she especially loved spending time with her family. Laura adored her family and loved for the family to get together, especially for those annual New Year Day breakfasts. Laura had a beautiful smile; she loved t o laugh and to make everyone feel apart. She loved to sing and hum, especially while trying on new shoes. Above all Laura loved to serve God's people and to praise God for his goodness.
On Wednesday January 22nd 2025, Laura was called from labor to reward. She is preceded in death by her parents Oscar Henderson and Lorene Freeney as well as one brother Glen Henderson. She leaves to cherish her memories husband Melvin Morris, daughter Andrea (David), son Melvin, brother James, sister Druscilla, 7 grandchildren: Anthony (Raina), Ashley, Jasmine (Kesel),Brianna, Dominique, Julian and Chase, 4 great-grandchildren: Skylerr, Brooklyn, Karter and Khai, 1 aunt Mother Eula Steep, best-friend Pastor Addie Heard, 3 godchildren: Erica Ford, Yolette Davis and Jaheim Smith, a host of cousins, nieces, nephews, friends and beloved church family.
Graveside services
11:00 am Saturday, February 15,2015 Union Hill Cemetery, Pine Hill Community.
