Pauline Lawson Morris

Pauline Lawson Morris

Pauline Lawson Morris passed away Tuesday, September 15, 2009, at the Evergreene Nursing Care Center, her home for the past five and one-half years.

She was born June 11, 1920, in Sparrows Point, Maryland, to the late Finks T. Lawson and Sarah Morris Lawson.

Pauline was preceded in death in 2006 by her husband of 66 years, Galen J. Morris.

She was also preceded in death by her sisters, Edith Dean, Helen Morris and Louise Lawson; sister-in-law, Ruby Morris; and her beloved grandson, Charlie Morris.

Pauline is survived by her children, Ellen Deane and her husband, Carroll, Steven Morris and his wife, Sharon, Barbara Ballard and her husband, Wayne, all of Stanardsville; six grandchildren, Paula Creekmore and her husband, Jeff, of Lynchburg, Lieutenant Colonel Joseph Deane and his wife, Robin, of Woodbridge, David Deane and his wife, Heather, of Arlington, Angela Shifflett and her husband, Josh, of Stanardsville, Krystyn Dotson and her husband, Eric, of Charlottesville, Julie Griffith and her husband, Josh, of Ruckersville; 12 great-grandchildren and another on the way.

Pauline's life touched many in Greene County. She grew up in rural Greene County during very hard times but she always strived for the better things in life. She and Galen were the "mayors" of Geer Hill, with a country store serving the rural people of that area. Pauline loved helping people; often taking them to the hospital, doctor or help wherever there was a need. Even though, she did not have lavish means, she always felt privileged to be able to help others with less.

One of her greatest loves was the Spotswood Garden Club. She held many offices in the club. She was well known for her beautiful arrangements and for many years blessed her church with their beauty. She was a faithful member, for most of her life, to Mount Vernon United Methodist Church. Her dishes were always looked for at lawn parties, homecomings and any other events with food. She loved it when the church came to her garage to peel apples for the annual apple butter making; where she would always have large pots of soups for all.

She enjoyed politics and served on the Greene County Republican Committee for many years. Fall was always exciting, as Pauline and Galen supported the elections with great enthusiasm and the annual pig roast was planned for weeks ahead.

The family will receive friends from 6 until 8 p.m. Thursday, September 17, 2009, at Mount Vernon United Methodist Church, 76 Garth Road, Stanardsville.

A graveside service was held 10 a.m. Friday, September 18, 2009, at Mount Olivet Cemetery.

A memorial service was held 11 a.m. Friday, September 18, 2009, at Mount Vernon United Methodist Church, 76 Garth Road, Stanardsville, with the Reverend Gay Lynn Tonelli and the Reverend C. C. Kurtz officiating.

Pauline loved flowers, however contributions may be made to Mount Vernon United Methodist Church, in care of Audrey Morris, 3729 Celt Road, Stanardsville, Virginia 22973 or the Greene County Rescue Squad, P.O. Box 302, Stanardsville, Virginia 22973.

The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the dedicated staff of Evergreene Nursing Care Center and Dr. Mary Preston for all of their loving care and support of Mama.

Ryan Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.


This obituary was originally published in the Daily Progress.