Ms. Kimberly Shannon Morris

December 5, 1971 - December 7, 2020

Kimberly Shannon Morris was born December 5, 1971, in Jackson, Madison County, Tennessee, to proud parents Jimmie Lee Morris, Sr. and Phillis Lean Hegmon Morris. Kim, as she was fondly called by family and friends, quickly earned a reputation as being intelligent and inquisitive. These qualities characterized all areas of Kim’s life. Kimberly matriculated through the Jackson Madison County School system, attending Parkview Elementary School and Jackson Junior High School. In 1990, Kimberly was an honors graduate of Jackson Central Merry High School. She then attended the University of Memphis where she graduated Magna Cum Laude in 1994. In 2005, she earned a Master’s degree from the University of Tennessee at Knoxville. Kim was deeply compassionate. It was compassion that led Kim into a profession of service to others. She worked as a social worker, counselor, and educator. At the time of her death, Kim was employed in the Department of Counseling and Disability Support Services at Lane College. This was an especially appropriate job for Kim as it allowed her to use her talents to serve at an educational institution that had such a rich history in her family and in Jackson. Kim was a lifelong member of the Tabernacle of David the House of Israel where she was an enthusiastic member of the church choir. Kim channeled her creative energies into the art of poetry and showcased at many cultural events. She shared and developed her poetry skills with the Griots Collective of West Tennessee--a literary arts organization. She was especially proud to have published some of her poems in the literary journal Black Magnolias in 2009. Whether she was reciting poetry or belting out a beautiful rendition of a song, the power of Kim’s voice was undeniable. Her voice soothed souls, made people smile, and offered humor and hope. She was the life of the party at family gatherings. Her laughter was infectious. Her love was boundless. Kim’s surviving relatives include her father, Jimmie Sr., and mother Phillis Lean. Brothers Jimmie, Jr. (Rhonda), and Clifford (Inyang); nieces Maya Morris and Jordyn Morris; and nephews Myles Morris, Clifford Morris, Jr., and Josiah Morris. Kim’s surviving relatives include a host of other loving aunts, uncles, and cousins who remain comforted by the memories of such a wonderful woman. Kim’s influence was far-reaching, and in addition to her family, she leaves numerous close friends, classmates, and colleagues who will forever cherish her memory. A special outpouring of love goes out to all the students whom Kim served. Today and always, we celebrate the wonderful legacy of love and light that Kim shared throughout her life. We recall the many moments that her smile, her voice, and her kind words lifted us and others. And finally, we remain the thankful beneficiaries of the unlimited generosity bestowed on us by Kimberly Shannon Morris.