Ellen Young Morrison (80), of Bradenton, FL, passed away peacefully with her sons at her bedside on Wednesday, May 15th 2024 at Lakewood Ranch Medical Center from complications of lymphoma.
Known as "Zudie" to her college friends and as "Gram" to her grandchildren, Ellen was born and raised in Hickory, NC, and graduated from Meredith College with a bachelor's degree in education. She loved teaching, and served second and third grade students at elementary schools around the nation. Her husband of 58 years, Jim, was a U.S. Air Force officer and the military took them to Alaska, Virginia, Alabama, Hawaii, Pennsylvania and Ohio. She was especially gifted in teaching reading and earned a reputation for helping the most challenged students succeed. She retired in 2007 from Cedar Hill Elementary School in Montville, NJ after a career of more than 30 years.
For years, Ellen and Jim owned a home in Forked River on New Jersey's Barnegat Bay, where they enjoyed summers on the water and at the beach together. Upon full retirement, they moved south, splitting time between homes in Bradenton, Florida and Hendersonville, North Carolina.
Ellen loved to read and to do crossword puzzles. She was involved in both book clubs and Bible studies. She was fierce and generous, with a sharp wit and a ready smile. Ellen loved and was loved by her many friends both in Florida and North Carolina. When she wasn't bragging to them about her grandkids, she enjoyed playing golf, bridge and mahjong. She also treasured her annual reunions with her Meredith College friends known as the FTTTTs - Faithful Ten Through Thick and Thin.
While Ellen enjoyed a few good years traveling the world with Jim in retirement, his Parkinsonism diagnosis cut that season short. Yet even in the face of Jim's failing health, Ellen's strength, commitment, faith and love was evident in how she gave of herself to care and fight for him.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Jimmie Garth Morrison, mother and father, Lois Ellen Willis, and Charles Spurgeon Young. She is survived by her son Garth Morrison (Mary); grandchildren Maike (Griffin) and Garett William; son Grant Morrison (Amanda); grandchildren Connor, Caroline, and Caleb; and brother Charles Young (Ina).
A celebration of her life will be held at Peace Presbyterian Church on Friday, June 14 at a 2pm.
In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to:
Peace Presbyterian Church
12705 FL-64 E, Lakewood Ranch, FL 34212
(941) 753-7778
