Joseph Douglas Morton Sr.

On Thursday, April 28, 2025, God, in His infinite wisdom, looked down upon His creation and called home from labor to reward Joseph Douglas Morton Sr., a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, cousin and friend, as part of a large extended family. Joseph was born on April 17,1935 in Baltimore, Maryland, the sixth of seven children (Thomas, William, James (Bruce), Lillian, Robert, and Lloyd (Byrd)) from the union of the late Thomas and Lillie Bruce Morton. He married his Douglass High School Class of 1953 sweetheart, Nadean Brooks, on December 5, 1954. Out of this union were born four wonderful children: Joseph D Morton, Jr.-Deceased, Gregory T Morton, Sr., Lori L Morton, Lisa G Morton (Thompson)-Deceased. The name, Joseph D Morton Sr., is synonymous with both Dad and Caretaker. He was a hero to all who engaged with him. He was a humble man that preferred grace over confrontation. As a father and grandfather there was nothing that he would not do for his kids, especially the girls! This extended to those related by blood and by Love. As a husband, he protected and cherished every day he had with the mother of his children, Nadean. When she received the diagnosis of Alzheimer Disease (The Long Good-bye), he lovingly dedicated himself to caring for her for over a decade, until the moment she took her last breath. As a son, as his parents aged, he was ever present in their lives, making sure he was there to provide whatever support they needed. As a brother, he was a stable rock that could always be relied on as they confronted the challenges of life. His brother, Bill (William), was significantly challenged with a mental illness related his military service in WWII. Dad took over caretaker responsibilities after their father's death and was there for Bill until his death. As an uncle and role model, Uncle Joe was the fun uncle, always encouraging and available. He was a resource that brought knowledge, wisdom and clarity that proved on many occasions to make a difference in the lives of those he touched. As a friend, during his lifetime, he developed and enjoyed a significant network. Many of those friends have passed away. He was a friendship builder, a person you could depend on, somebody that would never leave you on the side of the road. If you were down on your luck, he would do what he could to help, from giving you a ride, buying you something to eat, or giving you a comforting smile and words of encouragement. He was a professional hugger. As a man of God, Proverbs was his favorite book of the Bible. And it was clear by his actions that Dad was motivated by Proverbs in the way he led and navigated his life. As a lifetime member of Fulton Baptist Church, he was well respected. As a Trustee, he had a significant role in the ongoing success of the church over the years. Some of the most important people in his life were his Fulton Baptist Church family. Dad loved old movies. It was fun to watch them with him because he could recite the dialogue from memory and share details about every actor. He was also that way about music. He loved "Soul Town" and “Frank Sinatra” SiriusXM radio channels and often surprised us as he sang along with the music. As part of his platonic love of pretty women, our dad often claimed himself to be the "MOST HANDSOME". He was indeed handsome. We love you, Dad! As the last man standing in his family origin group, Joseph leaves to mourn his loss two children, Gregory Morton Sr. (Sonya) and Lori Morton; son-in-law, Marc Thompson; four grandchildren, Jordan Thompson Schatzberg (Michael), Christian Thompson, Gregory Morton Jr., and Aaron Morton; three sisters-in-law, Delores Brooks, Theresa Brooks and Roberta Brooks; special friend Barbra Byrd; and a host of cousins, nieces and nephews, and friends whom he loved so dearly and who will miss him just as much, as he was special.

Tributes

Joseph Douglas Morton Sr.

April 17, 1935 - August 28, 2025