Vera Morrison

CHERRYVILLE - Vera Russ Morrison, 87, went on to Glory on Jan. 1, 2015, at Carolina Care Center in Cherryville, NC. Vera rang in the New Year with her family and opened her eyes on a new dawn in Heaven.

She was born on April 20, 1927, in Cleveland County to the late Farris T. and Carrie Holland Russ.

Vera played many roles in her life: Wife of 54 years, to Clyde Morrison of Cherryville, who preceded her to Glory in 2001; sister, to four brothers, Olin, John, Paul, and Irvin Russ and four sisters, Bessie Russ, Eula Mae Russ, Darcus Brown, and Blanche Grigg, who also have preceded her to Glory; mother, to Deb-orah Henley, who was her only child and light of her life; mother-in-law, to Tim Henley, who she loved for loving her daughter; MawMaw, to Timothy "Clay" Henley, who she was his biggest fan and fiercest supporter; graduate, from Piedmont High School in Lawndale, and later from Gaston College and Sacred Heart College; educator, who taught generations of children in kindergarten at Tryon Elementary School; church member, at First Baptist Church of Cherryville, where she taught Sunday School and Children's Church; soloist in the church choir and member of the choir for over twenty years; leader, of her ladies mission group; poet, who was inspired by her love of the Lord; master of the culinary art of pickling, where it was often speculated if there was anything she could not make taste fantastic with the right combination of ingredients; and last but not least, faithful follower of Christ, whose love she exemplified to others.

She is survived by her daughter, Deborah Morrison Henley and husband, Tim of Cherryville; grand-son, Timothy "Clay" Henley of Cherryville; and many nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held 3 p.m. Sunday at First Baptist Church with the Rev. Dr. Vince Hefner offi-ciating.

Burial will be at City Memorial Cemetery.

The family will receive friends from 1:30 to 2:45 p.m. Sunday prior to the service at the church and at other times at the home of Deborah and Tim, 100 Hidden Valley St. Cherryville.

Memorials may be made to First Baptist Church Christian Outreach Center, 301 E. First St. Cherryville, NC 28021.

Condolences may be made at www.carpentersfuneralhome.net.