Mrs. Juanita Westbrook Morris

Juanita Westbrooks Morris will be remembered as a loving aunt, a devoted Christian, a servant to mankind, a successful educator, and a role model to all. She began her celestial life on Monday, June 10, 2013. She was born the fourth child of the late Charlie & Daisy Westbrooks in Rienzi, Mississippi on March 29, 1924. She and her five siblings were raised in the community of Danville. Her siblings preceded her in death: two brothers--Dave Westbrooks and Robert Leroy Westbrooks, three sisters-- Ella Mae Coleman, Victoria Carpenter, and Ruby Lee Brown. She earned a diploma from Victoria's Beauty School of Cosmetology in 1958, a Bachelor of Arts Degree from Lane in 1964, and a Master of Science Degree in Education from University of Tennessee--Martin in 1970. Juanita did wear many hats. As a young housewife, she took in laundry and many evenings were spent "fixing" hair in her kitchen. She always had a garden in Mississippi and was known for her cooking and canning. Many a family member, friend, minister, Bishop, missionary, Delta, and Lanite enjoyed her culinary talents. After graduating from Lane, she taught elementary school in the Brownsville area for 28 years. Juanita was a lifetime member of the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church. Her formative years were spent as a member of City Road Christian Methodist Episcopal Church and Danville Christian Methodist Episcopal Church. In 1958, she moved to Jackson, Tennessee where she joined Mother Liberty Christian Methodist Episcopal Church. She later joined St. Paul C.M.E. Church. She was introduced to missionary work at a young age. She served under Bishop Luther Stewart as secretary of the Mattie E. Coleman Department of the East Mississippi Conference. After moving to Jackson, she became involved in the missionary work of the Jackson-Oakland District and was elected President. She also became involved in the missionary work of the East Tennessee Annual Conference. In 1976, she was elected President of the Annual Conference Missionary Society under the leadership of Bishop J. Madison Exum. In 1982, she was elected President of the Annual Conference Missionary Society under the leadership of Bishop William H. Graves. She served until 1984. During her tenure, the Young Adult Program and the Workshops throughout the year were started. She also led many workshops during her 'tenure. At Mother Liberty, she served in the Sunday School Department as a teacher, stewardess, church secretary, Quarterly Conference Secretary, and sang in the choir. She was involved in the community. She served as Treasurer and President of the Madison County Education Association from 1958-1968 and 1968-1976 respectively. She was a member of Phi Delta Kappa where she served as President of The Gamma Psi Chapter from 1992-1996. She was a member of Church Women United and had served on numerous committees. She was also a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., NAACP, Lane College National Alumni Association, Democratic Women Associated, Eastern Star, and the National Council of Negro Women. Juanita also volunteered numerous hours at Jackson-Madison County General Hospital. Throughout her lifetime, Juanita received numerous certificates and awards. Too many to mention from C.M.E. church, Delta Woman of the Year, VISTA's Presidential Award for Volunteer Service--25th Anniversary, Honorary Citizen of the city of Clarksville, Tennessee (1987) and Scroll of Achievement Award (1998) from Lane College. Her favorite motto was--If there is any good I can do, let me do it today for tomorrow is not promised. Her hobbies were cooking, canning, entertaining, and being around family/people. She also loved and cared for her cat Missy for many years. She leaves to cherish her memory: a niece (considered a daughter and her family )-- Margaret V. Todd, Milwaukee, Wisconsin; Michelle Lenita (Reginald) Holloway--children: Jada Paris and JaCai' Roman, Las Vegas, Nevada; John Edward Garland, Jr.--child--Johnnita Michelle Garland, Milwaukee, Wisconsin; a number of nieces, nephews, cousins, and a host of other relatives and friends.

Mrs. Juanita Westbrook Morris

March 29, 1924 - June 10, 2013