of West Helena, AR
December 1, 1929 - July 17, 2020
Bennette Johnson Morris went to be with the Lord on July 17, 2020, surrounded by her family at her home. Bennette was born in Little Rock, Arkansas, on December 1, 1929, to Parker Ewan Johnson, Sr. and Bennett Irene Johnson.
She moved to Clarendon, Arkansas, at age three.After graduating Clarendon High School, she attended Hendrix College for two years before transferring to Southern Methodist University where she graduated in 1951. She was a member of Zeta Tau Alpha. Upon graduation, she moved to Helena, Arkansas, where she worked with the Home Extension Office.
Bennette met her future husband, Walter Luther Morris of West Helena, Arkansas, in December of 1951 and they were married June 12, 1952. During 65 years of marriage she became a loving mother of four, Margaret Bennett Morris Sellers, husband Paul; Mary Virginia ''Gina'' Morris; Walter Luther Morris, Jr., wife Jayne McCain; Leonora Harriet Morris Maclay, husband Doug. The family tree grew with seven grandchildren, Callie Bennett Sellers Towles, husband Allen; Margaret Morris ''Mollie'' Sellers; Walter Luther Morris III, wife Elizabeth ''Liz'' Bernie; Mary McCain Morris Cole, husband Josh; Meredith Pointer Maclay McNeely, husband Justin; Claire Parkhill Maclay Auffenberg, husband Daniel; and Douglas Weller Maclay III. Then she became a great-grandmother to seven great grandchildren Campbell William Towles, Caroline Bennett Towles, Lawson Allen Towles, Walter Luther Morris IV, Mae Louise Morris, Bennett Thomas Cole, and Genevieve Ann McNeely due this year. Bennette loved nothing more than spending time with her family. Sending daily scriptures or encouragement, gathering for family vacations at the beach, celebrating the holidays in their home, or celebrating milestones in each of their lives, she was a beautiful example of unconditional love.Â
Whether you knew her as Mom, Nanny B, Aunt Bennette, Bennette, Miss Bennette or Mrs. Morris you always felt welcomed, accepted and loved. She cared for people. Her greatest joy was found in giving to others whether it was helping the young girls of the Ophelia Polk Moore Home, the animals at the Humane Society of Phillips County, those searching to know the Lord through Bible Studies, or participating in every aspect of church life at Saint John's Episcopal Church. Bennette loved her community, her country and her Razorbacks. As her children grew up, Bennette was not one to sit on the sidelines. She was involved in every aspect of her children's lives. Through those years and beyond, she was blessed by the love and respect that was doted upon her by friends of all generations.
She will be sorely missed. We feel sure Walter and Walt IV are welcoming her in heaven and the Lord is saying 'Well done, good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy Lord.' Matthew 25:23
A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday July 19, 2020, at 10:30 a.m., Maple Hill Cemetery, 1800 Holly Street, Helena, Arkansas. All are welcome and please dress comfortably.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in her honor to Warriors For Walt Charitable Fund through the Arkansas Community Foundation https://warriorsforwalt.com/donate-now, St. John's Episcopal Church, 625 Pecan Street, Helena, Arkansas 72342 or the charity of your choice.
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19 Condolence(s)
Kenneth Keirsey
Wednesday, July 29, 2020
We are so sorry to hear of the passing of your mother. She was always such a sweet person, who had time for anyone. Always a pleasure to be around and talk to her. We pray the Lord will give all of you comfort and peace. We know she will be greatly missed. Kenny and Gayle
Philly Rains
Friday, July 24, 2020
Sending prayers of comfort, and peace to all your family. Your Momma was a lovely person, always gracious, and kind. Holding you in my heart.
Amanda Coon Karber
Wednesday, July 22, 2020
Walter, I just found out about your mother's passing through Liz's beautiful tribute on the Warriors for Walt Instagram page. I have no doubt that your mother was an amazing lady. My prayers are with you and your family, as I know that she will be sorely missed. Until you meet with her again in Heaven, I pray the Lord's comfort and grace for you and the Morris family.
Pat Williams
Tuesday, July 21, 2020
We will all miss Bennette. She always made me feel special to her. I saw her recently at Walmart and she waved both arms and when I got to her she said - "Even wearing masks I'd know you". I left her with a smile on my face because that's the way she always made you feel.
Scott & Lori Williams
Sunday, July 19, 2020
Granny B was a very gracious lady who represented the best of the Greatest Generation. She always welcomed us and made us feel like family every time we visited.
She and Mr. Morris were blessed with a large family. In fact, I always kidded them about needing a larger table at Thanksgiving and Christmas.
Her passing leaves a huge hole in our lives and she will be missed.
Mark and Sonya Murphy
Saturday, July 18, 2020
Walter, Jayne and Family, our prayers and thoughts are with you. What a wonderful life lived and legacy.
Tommye Lou Jones
Saturday, July 18, 2020
My sincere condolences to the family. She was a wonderful lady in every way. Much love to all of you.
Garrison family
Saturday, July 18, 2020
Sorry for the loss of yalls love one
Mary
Saturday, July 18, 2020
I’m so sorry for your loss. May the God of all comfort help you during this difficult time. (2Corinthians 1:3,4 & Psalms 83:18). Jesus prayed for God’s Kingdom to come because He knew it would intervene to solve all mankind’s problems even sickness and death. (Revelation 21:3,4 & Daniel 2:44).
Don and Crystal Eastman
Saturday, July 18, 2020
Our sincerest sympathies to all the family. We are so happy we had the privilege of knowing Mrs. Bennett, and grieve with you during this sad time.
MARCIA Cunningham
Saturday, July 18, 2020
Dear Morris Family, What a Joy, pleasure and blessing it has been to know Bennette! Though we can rejoice that she is with her Lord and Savior, our lives are so diminished that she has left this life. She was a witness and example to all who knew her of the love of JESUS! After 33 years in Explorers Bible Study, she willingly shared her Godly wisdom, love and service with us all. She was greatly loved!
Someone said of her, “She was Gods little angel who did BIG things!†That is so true!
May your family be comforted that all of us who knew her loved and appreciated her and her life!
In Christ’s love, Marcia Cunningham
Missy Howe
Saturday, July 18, 2020
Dear Morris Family, What a joy it is to think about your Mama being an angel! She was one of the sweetest ladies we have ever known. We are praying for you all. Love, Bill and Missy
karen m lavender
Saturday, July 18, 2020
Bennett, what a sweet lady she was every time I saw her. You will miss her more than you could ever imagine. Love to you and your family. Carvill and I send prayers your way in hope that you feel peace during this very difficult time.
Jo Ellen Ryan
Saturday, July 18, 2020
Bennett, Gina, Walter, & Harriet,
Oh the memories I have of the many times I could be found at the Morris house! And believe me they are cherished. ‘Miss’ Bennette was undoubtedly one of the kindest, sweetest, most gentle people I have ever known. What a blessing to have such a sweet Mama. Her love for each of you will forever burn brightly within you & that can never be taken away from you.
My prayers are with all of you. May God hold you in the palm of His hand & His love guide you & give you peace in the days ahead.
Love,
Jo
Darlene Whitwell
Friday, July 17, 2020
Such a beautiful spirit. My love and sympathy to all the family.
.
Jackie Sanders
Friday, July 17, 2020
On behalf of the Sanders family, our heartfelt sympathies go out to the Morris Family. We pray all your great memories give you comfort.
The Sanders Family
Bob Sanders, Dorothy Sanders, J.C. Sanders, Melinda Bennett, and Jackie S. Sanders
Lynette Burt Murphy
Friday, July 17, 2020
Morris Family;
Mrs. Morris was such a lovey lady inside and out and raised really wonderful children. I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with each of you.
Martin B. Faulkner
Friday, July 17, 2020
Angels better move over cause a new one is there today .... She was an Angel on this earth as well..She was a second Mom to me as Walter and I were born on the same day April 28, 1958 in the Helena Hospital ... You want a definition of a Lovely Southern Lady then her picture would be beside it ...
I will miss your awesome warm smile and hug Miss Bennette but I will see you again !
Love You ,
Marty Faulkner
Also from - Laurie & Kiley Faulkner as well
Cheryl Cravens
Friday, July 17, 2020
Dear Morris family, Miss Bennette was the best! Love and prayers your way during this difficult time. Cheryl Piercy Cravens