James Alton Morrison Sr.

On Thursday, October 5, 2023, Abba Father sent an angel to receive into his Kingdom, James Alton Morrison Sr.  James, affectionately known as “Al,” was born on December 24, 1927, in Maxton, North Carolina.  He was the thirteen of the fifteen children born to Lucius and Kathryn Morrison. 

During his early childhood in Maxton, James spent a great deal of time with his family on the farm.  He learned and mastered skills in sewing, baking cakes from scratch, cooking, and developed a love for the Lord. He was educated in Maxton County, Buffalo, and Newport News Schools respectively. James was also known for his productivity and hard work.  After completing school, James displayed diverse interests and talents occupationally.  He worked as a driver, janitor with the Newport News Public Schools, and stocker at a department store. In October 1975, James gained employment with Newport News Shipbuilding in the Riggers (X36) department, where he worked faithfully until his retirement in December 1992. James did not like idle time, accordingly, following his retirement he worked in the bakery at Busch Gardens.

James met and fell in love with the beautiful Eliza Odell Johnston in 1947 and married her on September 3, 1948.  He was a devoted husband and dedicated father to three beautiful daughters and four fine sons.  He and his family enjoyed traveling and spending time with extended family, in Virginia, North Carolina, and New York.

James was known as a gifted storyteller, for his love of Western and Bruce Lee movies, and the Washington Commanders (Redskins).   James also loved to make magnificent breakfasts and holiday meals for family and friends.  He was a jokester and his laughter was infectious. He was loved by all who knew him.

He is preceded in death by his parents, fourteen siblings, two sons-in-law, and two great-grandchildren.  James leaves fond memories with his loving wife of seventy-five years, Eliza Morrison; seven children, Sandra Todd, Gwendolyn Lassiter, Diane Joyner, James Alton Morrison Jr., Eric Morrison (Deborah), John Morrison (Donna), and Dwayne Morrison (Harriet); twenty grandchildren;  forty-seven great-grandchildren; seventeen great-great-grandchildren; a sister-in-law; and a multitude of nieces, nephews, cousins, and loyal friends. 

A blessed and beloved man was James Morrison.

A funeral service will be held at Noon, Monday, October 16, 2023, at Whiting's Funeral Home, with Dr. Robert Allen Jr. officiating.  Livestream will be available at the beginning of the service. Interment will follow in Hampton Memorial Gardens.  Mr. Morrison may be viewed on Monday from 10:00 a.m. until the hour of his service in the funeral home.

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

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