Frances Marie Morris

Frances Marie Morris left this earth on the afternoon of October 27, 2018. She was in her home, where she had been surrounded and cared for by her family over the past few years. She was 96 years old. Born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on October 6, 1922, she was the only child of George and Frances Liney. Frances joined the U.S. Marine Corps in 1943 and proudly served her country during WWII. She met the love of her life, Thomas S. Morris at Cherry Point, North Carolina in 1944. They became engaged before Tom left with his Marine Corp Division for the Pacific. Following the war, Frances and Tom were married on March 2, 1946, moved to Oklahoma City, were blessed with ten children, and later a number of grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Frances was a loving mother and became a world traveler, visiting destinations such as the People's Republic of China when that country first opened to U.S. visitors during the Nixon era as well as numerous other international destinations. She was a brilliant, self-taught scholar of history, culture, and religion, compassionate toward all humanity, races and religions. A terrific dancer, she had a keen sense of humor, embracing her life with joy. A member of Cristo Rey Catholic Church in Santa Fe for the past thirty-three years, she had previously been a member of Christ the King Catholic Church for over three decades. For many years, Frances volunteered weekly with St. Vincent de Paul, assisting people in need. She had also been President for a time of the St. Vincent de Paul Santa Fe Chapter. Frances was a wonderful mother, friend, and a pillar of her community. Frances was preceded in death by her parents, husband, and one son, Patrick. She is survived by her nine children: Kathleen (Greg Gorman), Thomas, William, Diane (Michael Sandrin), Mary (Ken Apt), Christopher, John (Bliss), George and Gregory. She was also blessed with sixteen grandchildren: Holly (Thomas Jacobson), Thayer (Scott Porter), Patrick Morris (Becky), Jessica (Clayton Knutson), Katie (Dave Illingworth), Kate Morris, Sarah Morris, Hardy Pinnell, Daniel DeVito, Hunter Morris, Isabella Buckner, Olivia Morris, Clay Morris, Thomas Morris, Grace Morris, Jackson Morris and her precious fourteen great-grandchildren. "Her children rise up and call her blessed" Proverbs 31:28. The entire family would like to extend their sincere thanks to Frances' son Gregory, sisters Mary, Diane and Kathleen for the extraordinary care they provided to mom. Visitation will be Sunday at Smith & Kernke from 2pm - 5pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Monday, November 12th at 10:00 am at Christ the King Catholic Church with a reception following the Mass. Burial will follow at Resurrection Cemetery in Oklahoma City with military honors.