Linda C. Morrison

1943 - 2015

Linda C. Morrison

Virginia Beach - LINDA C. MORRISON AUGUST 16, 1943 - MAY 30, 2015 One of the few advantages of dying from Stage IV breast cancer is that you have time to write your own obituary. (The other advantages are no longer bothering with sunscreen and no longer worrying about your diabetes, cholesterol and weight). So here's to the important stuff you probably want to read. I was born in Norfolk, VA on August 16, 1943, at Maryview Hospital. Grew up in Norfolk, attended Norfolk Catholic High School, and graduated from Old Dominion University with a Bachelor of Arts in Education. I lived most of my life in the Tidewater area of Virginia which is the right name and not Hampton Roads. I spent five memorable years living in Germany and 1 excruciating year in Waukegan IL when I was in my 30's and learned that I was never intended to live north of this area. In my early professional life I put my heart into being a social worker for the city of Norfolk, and then later I had a great run working as a Human Resources Specialist for the Norfolk Naval Shipyard in Portsmouth, VA where I retired after 26 years of service. Whew it seems so much longer than that. I had a fantastic sense of humor, which I know you all loved. I would demonstrate it here by telling a few stories, but the Virginian Pilot charges by the column for these listings and we must move on. If you want to come by later to tell the stories you remember then my friends and family will be celebrating my life with a little Irish Wake. I apologize to the neighbors in advance; ok not really, after all you only do it once right? I loved witty conversation, great food, and good books, beautiful sunny days, and spending time with my family and friends. I also want to thank my mother (deceased) for forcing me to take dance lessons, not only did they teach me to be graceful when falling over (darn that early Cerebral Palsy!), the awkward childhood films provided my family hours of entertainment over the years. They are now available on CD as well so that the entertainment can continue. I want to express many special thanks to the kind-hearted nurses and doctors at Virginia Oncology for the many years of care that allowed me to see my children's children grow up. I was preceded in death by my generous and loving parents, James Albert Claverie and Margaret (O'Riley) Claverie. I am survived by my beloved and devoted husband, Frederick ("Fred") S. Morrison, and my three children: son Lewis E. Winston III of Virginia Beach (wife Kasha, child Win), and daughter Leigh E. Luke of Virginia Beach (husband Eddie, children Laine and Lyndon), son David N. Winston of Chesapeake (wife Samira, child James). I'm also survived by my much-loved cousins, nieces and nephews, in-laws, and friends. I met Fred Morrison at the boat slip on a blind date on July 4th, 1989, which was one of the luckiest days of my life. We were married on June 30, 1998. Fred, I love you. Thank you for all the tenderness and the love, and for standing by me at the end. To my children and grandchildren, I love you so much, and I'm so proud of you. I wish you such good things in your lives. I have come to believe that each of us are connected to every person and everything on this Earth, that we are in fact one divine organism having an infinite spiritual existence. Of course, we may not always comprehend that. And really, that's a discussion for another time. So let's move on to the finale. I was given the gift of life, and now I have to give it back. This is hard. But I was a lucky woman, who led a lucky existence, and for this I am grateful. I first got sick in October 1999. When the cancer recurred in 2009 it was terminal, I decided to be joyful and hopeful about having had a full life, rather than sad about having to die. Amazingly, this outlook worked for me. (Well, you know, most of the time.) I am at peace. And on that upbeat note, I take my mortal leave of this crazy, revolving world-this beautiful sunshine, that moon, that walk along the shore, that smell of the salt air and gardenia flowers, the memory of a child's hand in mine. My beloved friends and family, how precious you all have been to me. Knowing and loving each one of you was the real success story of my life. Metaphorically speaking, we will meet again, joyfully, on the other side. It's a Beautiful day, I'm happy to have been here with all of you. Hugs and Kisses, Linda/Mom p.s. There will be no viewing since my husband refuses to honor my request to have me propped up in my favorite chair with a glass of wine in my hand so that I would appear natural to visitors. Cremation will take place at my family's convenience and my ashes will be kept in an urn until they get tired of having it around. Again. Just kidding. I will be going on one final trip to Key West, FL. Everyone that remembers me - please celebrate my life in your own way but raising a glass of your favorite drink in my memory would be quite appropriate! Now - enjoy the rest of the party. ARRANGEMENTS: An Irish Wake will take place, the date and time have not yet been determined. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society. Condolences may be offered to the family at www.hollomon-brown.com