Emma Ruth Morris

1921 - 2008

Emma Ruth (Granny) Morris, born June 16, 1921, in Botetourt County, Va., to the parents of James Thomas Harris and Sally Newton Painter Harris, went home Sunday, August 24, 2008, to be with her Lord and Savior. After a brief illness she slipped away quietly with peace. She was formerly of Salem, Va., and most recently lived in Stuarts Draft, Va. Left to cherish her memory are three sons, James Ashley Morris and his wife, Vicki, of Charlottesville, Va., Terry Franklin Morris and his wife, Debbie, of Huntsville, Ala., and Gary Harris, of Roanoke, Va.; grandchildren include, Jerry Morris and his wife, Farrah, of Portsmouth, Va., Eva James and Donnie Stalnaker, of Waynesboro, Va., Ashley Seawell and her husband, Stoney, of Charlottesville, Will Morris and wife, Kerstin, of Illinois, Tabitha Kontur and her husband, Kris, of Fredericksburg, Va., and Gary Harris Jr., of Radford; also surviving are 11 great-grandchildren whom she adored; and a brother, Maxwell Harris and wife, Chris. She was preceded in death by her husband, Theodore R. Morris; three brothers and two sisters. Granny had many, many more family and friends whom she loved dearly.
She left behind these words of hope,

"To Those I Love" – When I am gone, just release me, let me go. You mustn't tie me down with your tears; let's be happy that we had so many years. I gave you my love, you can only guess how much you gave me happiness. I thank you for the love you each have shown, but now it's time I traveled alone. So grieve for me awhile, if grieve you must, then let your grief be comforted with trust. It's only for a while that we must part, so bless the memories within your heart. And then, when you must come this way alone, I'll greet you with a smile and "Welcome you Home."
Funeral services will be conducted 1 p.m. Thursday, August 28, 2008, from the chapel of John M. Oakey and Son, Salem with the Rev. Ronald Wesley Young Jr. officiating and assisted by the Rev. Ricky Harris. Interment will follow at Sherwood Memorial Park, Salem. The family will receive friends on Wednesday evening, August 27, 2008, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the funeral home. Arrangements by John M. Oakey and Son, Salem, Va.