Dr. Charles E. Morris Jr.

1931 - 2024

Dr. Charles E. Morris, Jr.

September 30, 1931 - August 11, 2024

BLOOMINGTON - Dr. Charles Edward Morris, Jr., age 92, was born September 30, 1931; and transitioned to glory on August 11, 2024.

Dr. Morris, affectionately known as "Buddy" to family members, was born in Big Stone Gap, VA, the son of Charles E. and Verta E. Warner Morris. He married Jeanne Brown Morris, August 18, 1957, in Charleston, SC, whom he met at a resort in New Hampshire, where they served as support staff.

Dr. Morris graduated from high school at the age of 16 as class valedictorian. He graduated from Swift Memorial Junior College as class salutatorian in 1948, and as cum laude, from Johnson C. Smith University, Charlotte, NC, a historically black college.

Dr. Morris taught high school in High Point, NC, and then finished the doctoral program at the University of Illinois/Champaign. Their children were born in Urbana and then Dr. Morris accepted a position as an Associate Professor of Mathematics at Illinois State University. He was later promoted to Vice President for Administrative Services, then Vice Chancellor for Academic and Student Affairs for the Illinois Board of Regents, Springfield, IL.

After relocating to Normal in 1966, the Morrises were a part of a team that purchased housing for African American ISU students. In 1984, Dr. Morris assisted ISU students in chartering the Nu Psi Lambda alumni chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., and was very instrumental in the lives of innumerable students. One former student and member of Alpha Phi Alpha, Eta Tau Chapter stated, "I can't tell you how many brothers stated how Dr. Morris greatly helped them and made the difference in them staying in school." The Morrises built their home in Normal in 1970, where they resided until 2018. They moved to Westminster Village, Bloomington and continued their extensive travels around the world and across the country to visit family for many years. One significant trip in 2023 was to his home in Virginia to attend a street naming ceremony in recognition of his father's work.

As a family, the Morrises spent summers in Virginia and made countless trips to Mount Pleasant and Charleston, SC, and family time at historical sites in the country, as well as trips abroad, expanding his children's worldview. The foundation, however, was the oral history both Charles and Jeanne shared with their children and others. The ISU Multi-Cultural Center has a library in Dr. Charles and Dr. Jeanne Morris' name; and they donated books and pictures to the center, ensuring that students and visitors would continue to learn and research African American history. Dr. Morris also spent hours documenting his and his wife's family ancestry. The rich history of both will be shared on websites soon.

Post retirement from the university systems, Dr. Morris was the Coordinator of SIMaST (Students Integrating Mathematics, Science, and Technology), the Senior Associate for the Center for the Study of Educational Policy, Illinois State University and President and Consultant of CEM Associates, Inc. He continued serving on many community boards and was a board member of the Interdenominational Theological Seminary, Atlanta, GA. Both Dr. Charles and Dr. Jeanne wrote legislation that benefits ISU still today.

Upon retirement, Dr. Morris' legacy as a supporter of ISU students, programs and services, as well as a leader in the Bloomington-Normal community continued. Numerous achievements and awards were deservedly endowed on him as he humbly served in the state of Illinois and across the country. Faith, family, philanthropy and education best describe his life's work.

Survivors include his wife of 67 years, Jeanne Brown Morris, Bloomington, IL; children: David C. Morris, Sr., and Lyn E. Morris both of Bloomington, IL; grandchildren: David C. Morris, Jr., of Austin, TX, David Kyle Morris, of St Louis, MO, David Alexander Morris of Princeton, TX, and Shaia T. Franklin, of Bloomington, IL; great-granddaughter: Cameron Jeanne "CJ" Morris, Austin, TX; a host of extended family members, friends, board, committee and fraternity members across the country celebrate his life.

Dr. Morris was preceded in death by his mother, Verta Edith (1992), father, Charles E. Morris, Sr. (1986), and sister, Dr. DeLois Miriam Morris Fuller (2023).

In lieu of floral arrangements, please contribute to the Dr. Charles E. Morris, Jr. Legacy Award, c/o Busey Bank, Attn: Katherine Willis, 2101 North Veterans Parkway, Bloomington, IL, 61704, (309) 661-8700.

A celebration of life and legacy for Dr. Charles E. Morris, Jr., will be held on August 27, 2024, at the First Presbyterian Church of Normal, 2000 East College Avenue, Normal, IL 61761 (309) 452-4459. Visitation begins at 9:30 a.m.; followed by a 10:30 a.m. service.

Online condolences and memories of Dr. Morris may be left for his family at kiblerbradyruestman.com.