DOROTHY NELL MORROW

DOROTHY NELL (PARR) MORROW
Dorothy Nell (Parr) Morrow, 89, passed away at John Knox Village Health Center, Weslaco, Texas, Friday, March 5, 2010. A funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, March 11, 2010 in the Parlor of Calvary Baptist Church, McAllen, Texas. Visitation will begin at 9:00 a.m. The Reverend Jerry Johnson will officiate the service.
A second service will follow on Saturday, March 13, 2010 at 2:00 p.m. at the Pilgrim's Rest Primitive Baptist Church in Stratton, Texas. It will be officiated by Elder Bill Walden, followed by interment at Alexander Cemetery. Thiele-Cooper Funeral Home of Yoakum, Texas will handle arrangements in Stratton.
Dorothy Nell Parr Morrow was born in Granby, Colorado on October 23, 1920. Her father, Norvin G. Parr, Sr., was a railroad employee stationed in several locations through Texas and Colorado. In 1925, upon accepting the position as Railroad Station Agent, the family moved to the warmer climate of Raymondville, Texas in the Lower Rio Grande Valley. Upon graduation from high school, Dorothy attended one year of college studies in music at Texas A&I.
When Joseph Morrow's family farm in Sebastian, Texas was deemed too small for another family, Joseph found a job at the bank in Raymondville. He soon noticed a young lady who often passed by that bank with her sisters. One thing led to another and Mr. Parr approved the courtship of Joe and Dorothy. The relationship progressed well. WWII was on the horizon and after commissioning in the US Army as Lieutenant, Joseph proposed, they were married, and Dorothy became an Army wife July 11, 1942. They quickly left for Fort Adair, Oregon. She came back early to live with her parents in Raymondville, as Joseph left for the South Pacific, missing Pearl Harbor attack by only a few days.
After WWII, Joseph returned to Raymondville to meet his daughter, Ann, for the first time. The Morrows continued their family and remained in the Rio Grande Valley with a brief interlude in El Campo,Texas where Joseph managed a savings and loan there before accepting the position of Executive Vice President of Jefferson Savings and Loan for the Bentsen Development Corporation when they returned to McAllen in 1955. The Morrows were active in many civic and church responsibilities.
She was active in many capacities with First Baptist Church and Calvary Baptist Church, both of McAllen, where she played piano for soloists, choirs and the congregation. Dorothy taught piano lessons for years in her home. Although most of her students were brought by their mother to lessons, occasionally one rumbled up on a motorcycle. Dorothy's love for classical piano music brought her to take lessons at Pan American University with Dr. Grossman. Dorothy's love of music, cooking, caring for and encouraging her family were primary devotions across her full life of 89 years.
In 2006, the Morrow's moved to John Knox Village in Weslaco, Texas to experience Assisted Living in a wonderful environment. After celebrating their 67th wedding anniversary last summer, they both graduated to nursing care at John Knox Village in 2009 where they received excellent personal care. Joseph passed away February 6th and Dorothy on March 5th, 2010.
Children are Ann Morrow Schulz and husband David Schulz of Spring, Texas; Jim Morrow and wife Lisa K. Morrow of McAllen, Texas; David L. Morrow of McAllen, Texas.
Grandchildren are Michael Schulz and wife Emily Schulz of Houston, Texas; Catherine Schulz of Taos, New Mexico; Kimberly Mayer and husband Steven Mayer of Harlingen, Texas; Christi Leisure and husband Brent Leisure of Bastrop, Texas.
Great-grandchildren are Patrick Bertucci, Hannah Wells, Wyatt Mayer, Morgan Mayer and Sophia Schulz.
She is also survived by her two brothers: Norvin G. Parr of Taylor, Texas, and Robert W. Parr of Corinth, Texas and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Dorothy was predeceased by one month by her husband of 67 years, Joseph James Morrow. Also, she was predeceased by her parents, Norvin Green Parr, Sr., and Effie Agnes Blacklock Parr and her sisters, Evelyn Agnes Brenner and Merble Sedell Carpenter.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be given to John Knox Village Benevolence Fund, or the charity of your choice.
The family gratefully thanks John Knox Village Health Center staff and the many friends who supported her and the family in this time of need.
Dorothy Morrow was always a loving companion to her husband and a gentle encourager to her children. She will be sorely missed by her family and friends. Kreidlerfuneralhome.com
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