Doris Morgan

1925 - 2021

Doris Morgan
June 30, 1925 - August 8, 2021
Monroe, North Carolina - Doris Morgan died peacefully at home August 8, 2021. She was born June 30, 1925 in Pageland, SC. The only child of Maude Virginia Funderburk and Roy Baxter Funderburk, she was preceded in death by her husband, Ted Osborne Morgan in 1988 and her great grandson, Rhys Hendrick Morgan in 2019.
She was a dedicated musician who played piano at age four and performed until she was no longer able. Her life was a long musical journey ranging from playing for a dance studio as a teenager to playing the organ at the Charlotte Coliseum beginning in 1957. Doris entertained fans for the Charlotte Checkers from 1957 to 2003 as well as college basketball and the ABA Carolina Cougars.
Her music education included Scarritt College and Women's College (UNC-G) where she was a hard worker and was recognized in many ways including class officer and Society President. Doris was the one of the founders and director of the all-girl jazz dance band, the "Darlinettes", who traveled to play for college dances, USO parties, army installations, and a National Rotary Club Convention. Seventy years later, NPR did a podcast about this unique all-girl band.
How she loved directing the chancel choirs at First Presbyterian and Central United Methodist churches. The choir members were so special to her and some accompanied her to sing in Carnegie Hall and on choir tours in Europe. As a member of Central, she realized the need and chaired a committee to plan and build the lovely Columbarium Wall. Doris appreciated her wonderful friends and neighbors and would do anything for them including gifting them with her home- made pimento cheese, peanut brittle and pickles. She loved jazz, her duplicate bridge club, ACC and NFL games and traveling.
Doris is survived by her children, Ted (Milly), Marian and William "Bill". Her grandchildren include Brian and Chad (Stephanie) Morgan, Tom (Michelle) and Maggie Hairston, and Meredith and Jenny Morgan, her niece and nephew Susie Morgan and David (Pam) Morgan and goddaughter, Gay Murrill.
A private family service will be held at Central's Columbarium. In lieu of flowers it was Doris' wish that donations be made to the Endowment for Central's Music Program, Central's Garden Columbarium and Hospice of Union County. McEwen's Funeral Home in Monroe is assisting the Morgan family.
Doris' family will be forever grateful for the outpouring of love and support shown to them and their mother. From her doctors, Hospice workers, caregivers, neighbors and friends, you were all essential in allowing her to live her best until the end. Also, special thanks to Mary Craig and her help as well as neighbors John & Cheryl McNeill.