Dr. Clariece Elizabeth Morris

Clariece Elizabeth Morris was born to William Murray Morris and Veora Elizabeth Smith Morris on May 15, 1941, in Richmond Community Hospital in Richmond, VA. She is survived by her sisters, Blanche Lucille Morris, Evelyn Willinette Morris-Harris, and Priscilla “Peg” Jones-Christian (Kelvin Christian). Clariece also leaves to cherish her devoted nieces and nephews, Eric Pruden, Ellen Darlene Wynne, Robyn Mack-Kent, Royall M. Mack Jr (Su), and Kellie Carter (Maurice). She also leaves to cherish her memories ten great nieces and nephews, six great-great nieces and nephews, and one special great-great nephew with whom she shared all of her ancestorial knowledge and pictures, Jordan Wynne.  She was preceded in death by a nephew, Kelvin L. Christian Jr.

Clariece received her early education at Plum Point and George Watkins Elementary schools. She continued her education in the New Kent County public school and graduated with her high school diploma in 1960 from George Watkins High School. Clariece went on to earn her Bachelor of Science in Business Education at Virginia Union University, Richmond VA, her Master of Arts in Early Childhood education at Atlanta University, Atlanta, GA, and her Doctorate of Education (Ed.D) in educational leadership: Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, Florida, 1999.

Clariece went on to serve her community by pouring into programs centered around early childhood education. Clariece served in many capacities during her tenure:  MENTAL HEALTH/ADDICTIVE DISEASES CHILD & ADOLESCENT Program Specialist:  DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN RESOURCES/MENTAL HEALTH DEVELOPMENTAL  DISABILITIES AND ADDICTIVE  DISEASES (DHR/MHDDAD) Central Regional Office, PREVENTION SPECIALIST: DHR/MHDDAD DeKalb Regional Office, PREVENTION SPECIALIST:  DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN RESOURCES/ MENTAL HEALTH MENTAL RETARDATION AND SUBSTANCE ABUSE (DHR/MHMRSA) Cobb/Douglas Regional Office, CONSULTANT: DHR/MHMRSA  Regional Support State Office, COORDINATOR:  EARLY EDUCATION AND SUBSTANCE ABUSE  DHR/MHMRSA, Prevention Resource Center and HUMAN SERVICES SPECIALIST (I, II): DHR/DEPARTMENT OF FAMILY& CHILDREN SERVICES.

Her adventurous spirit led her to visit Korea, Australia, and Africa. Clariece loved being around the water and spent many summers in Myrtle Beach, S.C., with her dear friend (Ms. Dorothy Ferrell). She loved eating seafood, visiting local shops, walking the beach, collecting sand dollars, and in the evenings as the sunset. Clariece loved reading and was always interested in educational books that challenged new ways of teaching others how to support and educate the youth. When she was in SC, she could be found on any Saturday shopping in the downtown arena for her special hand-crafted baskets (Charleston Sweetgrass Baskets), which she displayed in all of her homes.

Clariece published a short book of poems in her first attempt at writing and depicts many facets of her life. Most of the poems were written in recovery from two harrowing experiences in her life: the extended illness of her mother and the betrayal of her trust and love by a significant other. She felt obligated to share her initial pain and the resulting peace and joy of her experiences with others who were experiencing the same pain. Her message rings a brighter day and a future built upon faith, hope, and a belief in a Higher Spiritual Power who she felt watched over all of her actions and provided daily blessings of love for her family and friends. She would say “There is PEACE after the PAIN”.

Clarice had a few very close friends who she trusted and deemed her adopted sisters/brothers. Her travel partner Dorthy Ferrell, Gerri Heard, Frances Diggs, Mitzi Assing (devoted cousin), and Beverly Burrell (cousin). Upon moving back to the Williamsburg area, she built a devoted friendship with Ms. Veronica Mrs. Kim Turner, and her husband.

A memorial service will be held at noon on Saturday, November 16, 2024, at Whiting's Funeral Home. Please send all flowers and cards of sympathy to the funeral home.

Professional services have been entrusted to the staff of Whiting's Funeral Home, 7005 Pocahontas Trail, Williamsburg, Virginia 23185. 757-229-3011 whitingsfuneralhome.com

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