Morris Lee Colbert

Morris Lee Colbert was born on May 4, 1933, in Natchitoches, Louisiana. He was the second oldest child born to Leola Gaines and Leon Colbert. He grew up in Natchitoches, Louisiana. His mother passed away when he was very young, so he lived with his grandparents, Reverend John Gaines and Georgia Gaines, who took over the responsibility of raising him and his siblings. Morris graduated from Central High School in Natchitoches, Louisiana. He then went on to attend Grambling University in Grambling, Louisiana for one year before enlisting in the United States Army. He served his country for two years, then enrolled at Southern University in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. He graduated from Southern University in 1960 with a Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education. He then moved to Baltimore, Maryland in 1961 and started working for the Dean’s Administrative Staff at Morgan State University in 1962. Morris later went on to begin his 30-year career, working for the State of Maryland Department of Employment Security. He enjoyed helping the people of his community discover opportunities which ultimately improved their lives. He was respected by his peers and rose to a position of leadership as well as being known as a “finder of solutions.” Morris was affectionately known as “Uncle Mel” by his family, who loved him dearly. He often told stories about his grandparents and the adventures he would have with his siblings and first cousins. He loved sports and followed his local and regional professional football, baseball and basketball teams as well as football at Morgan State University. He particularly enjoyed attending Baltimore Colts, Ravens and Orioles games on occasion. He also enjoyed live jazz from time to time and an occasional evening out with friends. Family was always important to him, and he would travel great distances to see his relatives well into his older years of life. He was known for his “cool disposition” but even more for his warm smile and generous heart. Morris was preceded in death by his siblings, Gaines Colbert, Robert Owens, and Leona Williams. He is survived by his sister-in-law, Inez Colbert (Gaines), in Antioch, California; his sister-in-law, Carrie Owens (Robert), in Los Angeles, California; and his first cousin, John William Benjamin (Barbara), in Las Vegas Nevada. Morris is also survived by five nieces, Cassandra Holland (Art), Barbara Colbert, Wanda Ransom (Harrison), Deborah Hicks (Mark), and Robbin Owens-George; two nephews, Dennis Colbert, Sr. and John Williams, Jr.; and a host of great nieces and nephews, as well as many other relatives. He will also be missed by dear and close friends, Jeron and Rachael White, and Laverne Taylor, who provided care and support, especially in the latter years of his life. Gone, But Not Forgotten

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Morris Lee Colbert

May 14, 1933 - May 18, 2023