Irvin H. Morris

IRVIN HARRISON MORRIS, son of the late Maude Gomez and Zebulon Morris] was born on May 1]1921 in Baltimore] Maryland. He was the beloved brother to four other sibling-older brother James Morris (now deceased) and three younger sisters Marguerite Harden] Arnedia Brown (now deceased) and Bernice Webster. Irvin and his siblings often reminisced about their childhood and the close relationship they shared with each other. They all grew up in a loving home where they were taught how to live a Christian life. Irvin never forgot those biblical teachings or the value of family. This love of family transcended Irvin's entire life. Early in 1939] Irvin met] fell in love with and] later] married his high school sweetheart Dinah Elizabeth Brooks. The young couple moved to Cherry Hill after World War II where they raised their family and became well-known members of the community. As their family grew to five children] Irvin and Dinah learned how to "make a way out of no way". Throughout their marriage of 68 years and until Dinah's death in 2010] they set the standard for hard work] determination] family traditions] love and unity. Because of their teamwork and sacrifice] all five of their children obtained college degrees and pursued professional careers. Irvin was a man of steel with an unmatched work ethic. He was strong] responsible] skilled] and self-confident. He dutifully served in the Navy during World War II as a Steward First Class. As a young man] he gained expert skills as a carpenter] painter and paper-hanger. He was a self-made handyman] plumber] electrician] home remodeler and gardener. During tough . times] he would take on work at the harbor hauling bananas and even helped to put in curbs along Reisterstown Road. He worked for various private companies including Comfort Springs] Western Electric and Bethlehem Steel at Sparrows Point. His years at Bethlehem Steel (1950-1983) were marked by steady progress to the leadership position of Turn Foreman (a rarity for men of color at that time). Irvin was most proud of a speech he delivered on gun safety to the entire managerial staff at the height of his career. He received a standing ovation and his name became known throughout the company. Over his working years] Irvin proved his mettle as a man] a husband] a father and a provider. Even though Irvin always worked hard and long] he was never too tired to be "Daddy". After work] he would be found with his children checking homework] discussing the day's events] playing card games] teaching his children how to ride their bikes and] later] how to drive his car. He made sure holidays were observed] birthdays celebrated] special occasions honored] and no one left the table hungry. Irvin never stopped finding ways to gather his children (even as adults) around him. At a moment's notice] he would steam up bushels of hot spicy crabs for their enjoyment. And the party would begin! He was proud of his family and truly enjoyed being in their presence. Irvin had many interests. He read everything he could-newspapers] old encyclopedias] maps] books] work manuals. He became proficient on the internet and would spend hours researching the various websites. He was an avid gardener. Neighbors often complimented him for the brilliant flower pots that graced his home in Cherry Hill and] in recent years] his son's (Irvin [r.) home in Woodlawn. Irvin loved traveling and would beam as he described his sojourns with family to the Caribbean] Alaska] Atlanta] South Carolina] Disney World and the New Jersey resorts. Irvin was also known for putting the "P" in pinochle. Playing this card game was a lifelong thrill for him. Up to his illness] Irvin looked forward to his Tuesday and Wednesday card sessions with his friends-Miss Bobbie] Miss Geraldine and Reverend Doctor Kelly-at the Woodlawn Senior Center. Most of all] Irvin enjoyed being Pop to his seven grandchildren and Big Pop to his great granddaughter. He has regaled them all with humor. He fabricated stories of his race horse "Can't Run". His unrecognizable recitation of the alphabet always drew exasperated corrections from the grands. He awed them with his penchant for odd combinations of food] his willingness to swallow bad tasting medicines] his love of Lionel trains] and his endless jokes and riddles. He kept up with their progress in school] attended their special performances and graduations and always celebrated their achievements with those precious "money cards". His grandchildren blessed his spirit. And] they were truly blessed to have had him around so long and to know him so well. Irvin departed this life peacefully on Friday] December 5] 2014 at his son's home where he had resided for the past 8 years. He leaves to celebrate his life: five children-Brenda Stovall] Bernice Gordon and her husband Stanley Gordon] Irvin Morris] Jr. and his wife Earle Morris] Julia Royster] Kenneth Morris and his wife Joyce Morris; seven grandchildren-Robert Stovall] Jr. and his wife Alicia Stovall] Tobi Morris] John Gordon] Glenn Gordon] Bruce Royster] [r., Amber Morris and Kenneth Morris] [r., and one great granddaughter [aela Morris. Irvin also leaves to mourn: two sisters] two brothers-in-law] and a host of nieces] nephews] other relatives] friends and neighbors.

Tributes

Irvin H. Morris

May 1, 1921 - December 5, 2014