Jerry Morris
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Jerry Morris, 72, died at home on May 23, 2019. Jerry was born on February 26, 1947 at home in the country near Kingsville, Missouri, the only son of Avis (Wilkinson) and Tracy Morris. He was born with Cerebral Palsy and lived a remarkable life despite great physical handicap. He graduated from University of Missouri-Columbia in 1972 with a degree in Secondary Education. He and Kathy (Fajen) Morris were married in 1980, and enjoyed married life for 38 years. His positive nature and gentle manner fostered life-long treasured friendships. He worked at Jacob’s Center and Services for Independent Living. He was influential in moving forward accessibility issues in Columbia, including curb cuts, sidewalk safety, accessible city buses, and accessible affordable housing.
A memorial service will be held at First Presbyterian Church of Boonville at 417 Vine Street in Boonville on Thursday, May 30, 2019 at 11:00 a.m. with a luncheon to follow. Memorial contributions in Jerry’s honor are suggested to the First Presbyterian Church of Boonville.
Visits: 1
Jerry Morris was a beloved saint. When I attended Mizzou in the early ‘80s, Jerry was a mobile fixture on campus. At the time, we were nodding acquaintances who exchanged pithy (not mundane) greetings. Little did I know that I would befriend his lovely sister-in-law (Polly) and, by extension, Jerry and his extended family of missionaries. Jerry, though disabled, was a blessing to humanity, His activism made Columbia safer, more progressive and compassionate. It made his day to elicit a smile or laugh. When I saw him last September and made him laugh deeply (from the socks up), it made my month! His is a beautiful soul that lives within all who knew him.
Hi Kathy, I don’t know if you remember me. I lived upstairs from you and Jerry at Paquin Towers with Raymond Gunnels. I was Charlie Brooks then. I am so sorry for your lost and that I can’t make it to the service today. My husband (Jerry) and I have adopted a little girl with CP and I have 2 meeting this morning to get some home mods.
I just wanted to let you know how much I have always loved Jerry. He was always bigger than life and any time I would run into him it would brighten my day for days afterwards. And I always seem to run into him. Nothing kept that man down. I can remember one time my Jerry calling me on my cell phone and asking me what I was doing. “Kissing a redheaded man on Walnut Street” I replied. “Tell Jerry I say Hi.” My husband answered. That’s how common it was to see Jerry out and about. I still look for him when I am running errands and I think I always will. He will be missed by so many.
While reminiscing about my first Thanksgiving in Missouri, I just saw this wonderful tribute to Jerry. I met Jerry in September, 1969, while living across the hall from him at the U. of MO. I was 1,000 miles from home, with nowhere to go for Thanksgiving, when Jerry invited me and his attendant, Craig Miller, to spend the day at his family home. Mrs. Miller was so gracious, and I am grateful to have had the opportunity to spend the holiday in her home. After graduation I remained in Columbia for 9 years, often encountering Jerry around town. While living as dorm residents in Graham Hall, our affectionate nickname for Jerry was “Maurice,” (pronounced as MO-Reese), and he always seemed to enjoy it. I’ll always remember Jerry, and I’m so glad to have known him.