Christine Johnson Morris

Christine Johnson Morris

God and his angels came and walked Christine Johnson Morris, 92, to her heavenly home and into the arms of her loving husband, Murrell, on Friday, Nov. 12, 2010. Christine fought the good fight and was strong until her body had had enough.

Christine was born in Charlotte County on Aug. 20, 1918, to the late Jasper and Emma Johnson. Christine was one of 11 children. She moved to Lynchburg, and on an unexpected night, met the love of her life, Murrell Morris. Christine and Murrell were married 63 years. Murrell left us all on July 12, 2003.

Christine is survived by her daughter, Sandra Tilley, and her husband, Wayne; a step-grandson, Christopher Tilley, and his wife, Amanda, and his children, Madeline Bryce and Chase McBride, of Lynchburg; her step-granddaughter, Cameron Messin, and her husband, Andey, and their children, Olivia Elle and Noell Franklin, of Staunton. Her great-granddaughter, Madeline, was like a ray of sunshine in Christine's declining years. Madeline would climb in bed with her and snuggle up as did Chase. These were special moments for her. She is also survived by her sisters, Ethel Anderson, of Newport News, and Mary (Sis) Anderson, of Richmond; also surviving are sisters-in-law, Sadie Johnson, Marguerite Johnson and Inez Johnson, of Newport News, Loretta Johnson, of Virginia Beach, and Emily Morris, of Lynchburg. Her brother-in-law, Howard Morris, of Lynchburg, also survives.

Christine was predeceased by sisters, Dorothy Williams, of Virginia Beach, and Jeanette Land, of Newport News; and brothers, Raymond, of Keysville, Jasper, Clarence and Curtis, of Newport News, and Clifton Johnson, of Virginia Beach.

Christine was a member of Chestnut Hill United Methodist Church, the Top of the Hill Club and Friendly Circle of CHUMC. She worked and retired from Craddock Terry Shoe Corporation after more than 30 years. Her first love was her family, and her other love was gardening and her flowers and for many years belonged to the Rambling Brook Garden Club. Her animals were so special to her Skipper, Beau, Zack, Rufus and TeeTee.

Christine was blessed with many dear and devoted nieces, Janice, Betty, Charlotte, Judy, Wanda and Debbie, as well as devoted nephews, Charlie, Larry, Terry and the three who were more like grandchildren, Ricky, Dennis and Brian. The great-nieces and nephews also were so special to her.

We cannot fail to mention her two special angels and caregivers, Susan Graci and Shirley Dickerson. We are also blessed to have the support of Centra Hospice of the Hills and two special nurses, Allie Cowardin and Connie Bailey, without all these angels, Christine's final journey would have been so much more difficult. Their love and gentle care are greatly appreciated by the family.

Visitation will be from 3 to 5 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 14, 2010, at Heritage Funeral Service, 427 Graves Mill Road. A funeral service will be conducted 11 a.m. Monday, Nov. 15, 2010, in the chapel of Heritage Funeral Service by Pastor Becky J. Cloud with burial following in Fort Hill Memorial Park.

Those wishing to make a donation in Christine's name please consider Centra Hospice of the Hills, 2097 Langhorne Road, Lynchburg, VA 24501, or the Campbell County Rescue Squad, P.O. Box 4123, Lynchburg, VA 24502.

We love you Momma, have a good rest, and we'll see you when we make our journey home.

Heritage Funeral Service and Crematory, 427 Graves Mill Road, (434) 239-2405, is assisting the family. Memories and thoughts may be shared with the family at www.heritage

funeralandcremation.com.