Theodora Jones Morris, 95, a fourth generation Floridian, died June 21, 2012 in Fort Myers. She moved there in 1996 to be close to her family. Theo was born in Callahan, Florida on January 26, 1917. She was the only child of Nora (Owens) Jones and Edgar Leon Jones. The family moved to Miami Beach 1n 1923 where her father worked with pioneers Carl Fisher and John Levi in the Ocean View Co. He later founded the Twin Cities Transit Co., a jitney company that took passengers between Miami and Miami Beach. Theo grew up and attended schools in Miami Beach and graduated from Ida M. Fisher High School. In 1939 she married Edwin Shepherd Morris and the couple lived in Miami Beach and Coral Gables. Ed was a navigator for Pan American Airways during the war years and later owned insurance agencies in Coral Gables, the last one being Morris & Reynolds Insurance, Inc. In her youth, Theo worked for the Miami Beach Chamber of Commerce and as a legal secretary - and later with her husband in his insurance agency. Theo was an active community volunteer valued for her office skills and willingness to tackle difficult tasks. She was a long time volunteer with the Guild of the Museum of Science and later with the senior group at the First United Methodist Church of Coral Gables. Theo was active in numerous organizations including the Pioneers of Miami Beach, The Cotillion Club, Miami Beach Garden Club, and PEO Chapter AK (founding member). Theo is survived by her daughter Kathleen Morris Mayo, son-in-law Harold Maio, and grandchildren Giuliana Mayo (Los Angeles) and Adam (and Jennifer) Mayo (Orlando). A memorial service will be held at the chapel of the First United Methodist Church of Coral Gables on Saturday, July 28 at 11am. Memorial donations can be made to Hope Healthcare Services (9470 HealthPark Cir., Ft. Myers FL 33908).
Published in Miami Herald on July 1, 2012
