Ann Morris

After a hard-fought battle with Myelodysplastic Syndrome, Margaret Ann Morris passed away peacefully, surrounded by her loved ones, in person and in spirit, on Monday, August 28, 2023.

Ann was born September 1, 1948, to Dick Top and Margaret Laura Bledsoe in Dallas, Texas. Her heart and kindness shined from day one. At a young age her family moved to Little Rock, and she started building her legacy. A dedicated teacher and athletic director for over 45 years in Central Arkansas, she touched the lives of many. Ann will be remembered for her love of sports, dedication to children, and most importantly her Catholic faith.

Ann was preceded in death by her parents; the love of her life, husband of 33 years, Johnny Morris; brothers Patrick Bledsoe and Dick Bledsoe; nephew Carl Bledsoe; and great-nephew Christopher “Critter” Bledsoe; along with a host of in-laws and friends.

Ann is survived by her proudest accomplishments, her children and grandchildren: Kevin and his wife Samantha of Omaha, Nebraska, and their sons Ethan and Lincoln; Laura Crawford (her mother’s best friend, confidant, caretaker, and a host of other unconditional acts of love) and her husband Aaron of Maumelle, and their daughters Anna and Abby; and John and his wife Amanda of Little Rock and their son, Owen, and daughter Barrett. Ann is also survived by her brother, Michael Bledsoe of Cincinnati, Ohio; and numerous in-laws, nieces, nephews, and friends.

Special thanks to her sister-in-law, Carolyn Hopper, for her unconditional love and support. The family would also like to thank their mom’s “Angel Drivers,” friends, and care takers that have played an incredible role throughout her battle with MDS. We couldn’t have supported our mom’s journey without their support.

Thank you to the nurses, doctors, and staff of Baptist Health Little Rock, particularly the amazing nurses of 9A, BHRI therapists, Karla and Taylor, Dr. Susan Delap, Dr. Shannon Zehtaban, and Dr. Scott Kacyinski, and the Hospice staff. 

A special thanks to Dr. Grace Raja and the CARTI staff for your guidance, love, and support throughout this journey. 

Our mother was a kind, caring and giving person who always put the needs of others first. She was a strong woman who faced every challenge in her life with courage, strength, hope, integrity, and optimism. Our mother was a source of inspiration to us all and she will be deeply missed by everyone whose lives she touched.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Christ the King Msgr. Hebert Endowment Fund, https://www.school.ctklr.org/endowmentfund, or Carti, https://www.carti.com/foundation/donate-now/.

Pallbearers will be Mark Mcghee, Mark Burr, Frank Battisto, Chris Kane, Randy Grice, and Jerry Friend. Honorary Pallbearers are Bill Hogue, David Crawford, and John “Jack” Selig. Visitation will be 6:00-7:00 pm Thursday, August 31; followed by a Rosary at 7:00 pm, at Christ the King Catholic Church, 4000 N. Rodney Parham, Little Rock. Funeral mass will be held at 2:00 pm Friday, September 1 at Christ the King Catholic Church.  Family will have a private interment at Pinecrest Memorial Park at a later date.

 

Arrangements by Smith Little Rock Funeral Home.