Obituary of Marion Janiece Morris

Marion Janiece “Jan” Morris, 69, of Joshua, Texas, was called home to Christ in the comfort of her home, surrounded by her family, on Oct. 23, 2024.

Visitation: 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. Wednesday, October 30, 2024, at Martin Thompson & Son Funeral Home, 6009 Wedgwood Drive, Fort Worth, TX 76133.

Jan was born in Fort Hood on September 14, 1955, to Jimmy and Marie Bannister and was the middle sibling to older brother Michael and younger brother Randy. Growing up in a military household meant that she lived in several locations, including Louisiana, Killeen, Fort Hood, Panama, and Fort Worth. She spoke often about her time in Panama, especially about the animals, jungle, and memories shared with her family.

During her early teenage years, Jan was very close to her grandmother, who taught her to become a prolific seamstress—a skill she continued throughout her life. While at Haltom High School, she accepted Christ as her Savior and was active in her church and the Rodeo Club. Her first date with Darrell Morris was on Nov. 1, 1974, and they married the following year on Nov. 1, 1975. They would have celebrated 49 years of marriage this year on Nov. 1.

Living in Haltom City, Jan and Darrell had a son, Jeremy, in 1976, followed by a daughter, Michell, in 1980. In 1984, the family moved to Joshua. Jan used to talk about how difficult it was to move “to the country” so far away from her mom and dad in Haltom City (Joshua is roughly a 40-minute drive). The Joshua years saw Jan being very active in leading Brownie Troop #2249 and holding several positions with the Joshua PTA. She and Darrell also led the youth group at Lane Prairie Baptist Church, where they frequently sang together on Sundays during worship.

Over the years, she worked in several career fields, including bookkeeping at medical facilities and electrical sales alongside Darrell. She retired from the City of Joshua Code Enforcement in January 2023. However, one of the most special parts of her life was sharing trips with Darrell during his tenure in the Chuck Wagon Gang and the Good News Band. She and Darrell covered many miles across America, making hundreds of friends. She never tired of traveling on the Chuck Wagon Gang bus and seeing the beauty of God’s creation – North Carolina was a perennial favorite.

In addition, Jan adored being Mimi: her grandchildren were truly the apple of her eye and her pride and joy. She also loved working around the house with Darrell, making every kind of craft known to man, sewing, cooking, gardening, birdwatching, singing, reading, playing the piano, shopping, and taking cruises with Darrell. Lastly, she enjoyed loving on her sweet former Dachshunds, Cookie and Trudy.

Jan is survived by her husband of 48 years, Darrell; her son, Jeremy, and his wife, Chelsea Morris; her daughter, Michell Adams; grandson, Jacob Lopez, and his wife Madi; grandson, Jared Lopez, and his wife Emily; granddaughters Kayla, Emily, and Ally Little; grandson Samuel Adams and granddaughter Sophie Adams; and great-grandchildren Waylon Lopez and Wrenley Lopez. She is also survived by her brothers Michael and Randy Bannister, along with an aunt, uncle, and numerous cousins.

She is preceded in death by her father, Jimmy Bannister; her mother, Marie Bannister; her daughter-in-law, Jennifer Morris; and her son-in-law, John Adams.