Doris C. Morton

On the evening of January 28, 2026, a beautiful woman of boundless energy and thoughtfulness, DORIS CYNTHIA MORTON (also known as “Mama”) was called to Heaven. Through her journey of 98 years, Mama touched the lives of many with her wisdom, humor, compassion and generosity. She was also a woman of strong faith, a philanthropy enthusiast and loved animals, especially cats. On November 3, 1927, Doris was born in Live Oak, Florida. As a teenager, she resided in Daytona Beach and attended Campbell Street High School. Doris was crowned “Miss Campbell Street” for her grace, prestige and service. This achievement was a very proud moment, as it not only signified her devotion to serve as a role model for community leadership, business and education; it also highlighted a major social milestone, in which she reflected pride and resilience. But this was only the beginning of her journey with African American advocacy. At a very young age, Mama gave her life to God. She loved the Lord, and her spiritual nature was sprinkled upon everyone she met. After moving to New York City, she fellowshipped with several churches and was a member of Faith Temple, under Bishop Dr. Alvin A. Childs, Sr. In the early 1970s, Mama relocated to Baltimore, Maryland, where she met her beloved husband and founder of Eden Light Baptist Church, Bishop Miller Elbin Morton (also known as “Pop”). They soon united in matrimony. Mama became Head Deaconess and continued to lay parables for anyone seeking healing. She was also a long-time Board Member of the Eastside Democratic Organization (EDO), focusing on minority representation and the advancement of Black political empowerment in Baltimore City. As a young adult, Mama studied Home Economics and until this day, it is no secret that she was the ultimate, fantastic cook! She was best known for her cornbread and peach-apple cobbler. Mama’s favorite snacks were sodas, strawberry milkshakes and all kinds of candy. She had a sweet tooth unlike any other. Gardening, decorating and getting her nails done were some of Mama’s favorite pastimes. She also loved watching television, particularly comedies, westerns and sports. Mama often hosted holiday gatherings because she genuinely enjoyed the company of family and friends. Her charisma uplifted everyone she crossed paths with. Another guilty pleasure was shopping, hence her fashion sense for unique clothing and jewelry. Driven by an endless thirst for entrepreneurship, Mama’s unwavering spirit of perseverance led her to spearhead multiple business ventures, including but not limited to a grocery store and churches. In addition, Mama and Pop owned and operated two tire businesses, one on Huntington Avenue and the other on Harford Road. Soon, Mama and Pop combined them into one. For nearly 40 years, together they piloted the Harford Road location, Glide N Ride (now known as Quick Tire Ride). After Pop passed in 2012, Mama continued to manage the tire shop, for another decade. She worked daily until she was 94 years old, acquiring “The Tire Lady” as her most credible nickname. In her final years, Mama’s son-in-law, Harry M. Smith, assisted with tire shop duties. Like “two peas in a pod,” they collaborated and thrived. Doris was predeceased by her parents, Lorenzo Washington and Stella McCray, along with her youngest daughter, Linda D. Cruse. She is survived by daughters, Fleeter M. Reed and Deborah C. Cruse (Harry); sons, Claude “Champ” Reed and Everett “Chubby” Cruse; step-son, Romeko Morton; grandson, Maurice (Belinda) Smith; granddaughter, Unissa Cruse-Ferguson; great-grandson, Kyle Smith; nephew, Corey White; niece, “Rosemary”; tabby cat, Fluffy; godchildren, Sarah Robinson, Sandra La-Kaye Biles, Geselle “Jean” Lewis, Tonda “Wee-Wee” Baxter and Jaki “Boss Lady” Johnson; plus a host of dear friends and family. She was truly a remarkable angel to us all

Tributes

Doris C. Morton

November 3, 1927 - January 28, 2026