D'Wayne Antonio Morris

D'Wayne was born on November 26, 1980, in Black River, St. Elizabeth, Jamaica, to
parents Angie Akpan and O'Brian Morris. His upbringing was deeply influenced by the
love and wisdom of his grandmother, Vera Dennis, whose nurturing spirit helped shape
the kind and caring person he became.
At the age of 10, D'Wayne moved to America with his mother, Angie, and began to call South Minneapolis home. He began his educational journey at Bancroft elementary, where he affectionately received his lifelong nickname "Muggs" after NBA player Muggsy Bogues. His bright smile and ability to bring joy to those around him stayed with him through Fowell Middle School and Roosevelt High School, where he formed lasting friendships.
After graduating high school, D'Wayne ventured to West Virginia to attend Marshall
University, where he played college basketball. After a year, he returned to Minnesota where he completed his education at Southwest State University in Marshall, earning a bachelor's degree in Business Management & Finance, followed by an MBA in Business Management. D'Wayne made a difference in everyone's life he touched. His deep involvement with his community was marked by his genuine care and dedication. He served on the Board of Directors for Southside Community Health Services, advocating for essential care. He spent time as a business advisor and finance director at a local community-based organization in North Minneapolis and owned real estate investment properties. D'Wayne also taught business at Southwest High School, where he didn't just teach lessons from a book-he shared wisdom and experience that his students could carry with them for life. As a coach at Roosevelt High School, his alma mater, and later at Southwest High School, he guided young athletes both on and off the court, continuing to support the team and show up long after stepping away from coaching.
In recent years, D'Wayne embraced entrepreneurship, focusing on family businesses where he applied his education and passion. With his beloved partner, Tamatha, he owned a local laundromat, founded Blue Waters Consulting, and was on the brink of opening their first franchise restaurant, Urban Wok. He also partnered with lifelong friends on several business ventures, including Soul Community Development. He was passionate about sharing and collaborating, especially in helping business owners scale into real estate development or expansion.
D'Wayne was more than just a coach, teacher, board member, and business owner-he was a person who showed up. Whether it was a community event, a friend's milestone, or simply a gathering where his presence could make a difference, D'Wayne was there unwavering in his support and encouragement. His big commitment to others made him special.
D'Wayne resided in Edina with his beloved Tamatha, where they were entering a new phase of life with all their children off and exploring as young adults. He was most proud of his daughter, Valencia, who is attending Michigan State University and heading into her third year. It was Valencia who grounded him and motivated him to become the man he evolved into. D'Wayne also deeply loved and guided Tamatha's children, Titus, Tatziana and Tavia, as his own, nurturing them into young adulthood with the same care and dedication he gave to all aspects of his life. A family man at heart, he cherished home-cooked dinners at the table, often delighting in the surprise of favorite childhood dishes lovingly prepared by his mother. He had a deep affection for his animals and shared a passion for travel with Tamatha. They often sought out international destinations where they could bask in warm climates and explore the water. Among all the places they visited, Croatia won their hearts, and they eagerly planned to return next July for their third visit.
D'Wayne's legacy lives on through the values he embodied-generosity, perseverance, and personal growth - values that continue to guide and inspire the lives of those he touched. His spirit will live on in the community and family he cherished, reflected in every act of kindness and every moment of support shared by those who knew and loved him.
With a genuine and infectious spirit, D'Wayne formed deep connections with people from all walks of life. He was a cheerleader to everyone he surrounded himself with, ensuring those hecared about felt seen, heard, and supported. He leaves behind a legacy of being there for others-a true mentor, leader, and genuinely good person. He will be remembered and deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.
We are deeply saddened by his sudden passing on August 8th, 2024. In honoring his memory, we ask that you remember D'Wayne for the profound impact he had on those he touched and the boundless love he shared with everyone he encountered. His spirit lives on in the community he loved so deeply and in the hearts of his family, who will continue to carry forward his legacy in all they do.
D'Wayne is preceded in death by his grandparents, Vera Dennis, Ida Morris and George
Morris, as well as by his additional son, Titus McKnight-Richman. He is survived by his
immediate family, including his father, O'Brian Morris; mother, Angie Akpan; beloved
partner, Tamatha Richman; daughter Valencia Morris; and additional daughters, Tatziana
and Tavia McKnight.
His extended family also survives him: sisters, Jodi-Ann Morris, Avordawn "Ava" Morris,Tion Morris, and Tiona Morris; brothers, K'Ann Morris, Mickoyan Morris, Christian Morris, and Jaheim Morris; uncles, Rockerick Morris and Dalton Morris; aunts, Marcia Tolliferreo (Chase Burks) and Donna Dixon (Aljae Dixon); stepfather, James Akpan; and stepsiblings, Angela Akpan, Akpan Akpan, and Kufre Akpan, many special cousins, nephews and nieces.