Arzalia Morris

Arzalia Morris

Arzalia Morris was born April 7, 1920 in the Palestine Community to the late Samuel and Naona Darden, Sr.

She graduated from Chester High and later attended college at Mary Allen where she received her teacher’s certification. She later married Ray Morris and to their union they had 10 children

She was a devout Christian who loved the Lord and his people. She did not meet a stranger. She was a faithful servant and giver.  Her laughter was infectious. Some of her saying were: “What, shoots, foot, I declare and Lord Have Mercy!”  She did not refrain from her honesty.  She was truly a “Virtuous Woman”

She was of the Baptist faith and a member of Palestine Baptist Church in Palestine, TX. until her health did not permit her to attend.  She served faithfully as a Sunday School teacher, Vacation Bible School teacher, Sunday School, head of the Hospitality Committee, Treasurer of the Mission Department.  She was also a member of the CCA Choir and an Eastern Star.  She moved to Livingston, TX where is was under watch care and severed on the mother’s board at Livingston Church of God in Christ.

She was preceded in death by her spouse Ray Morris, her parents Reverend Samuel and Noana Darden, Sr. and her children; Bonnie Coleman, Gazette Bennett, Willie Morris, Marva Merchant, Marie Stone and Reginald Morris.  Her siblings who preceded her in death were; Esau Darden, Jacob Darden, Angus Darden, Samuel Darden. Jr., LaVoy Darden, Shirley Darden and Yvonne Darden. Grandson; Stanley Morris, Jr. and granddaughters; Kay Morris and Cherie Bennett.

She leaves to cherish her memory; Frankie (Jimmy) of Wichita Falls TX., Gerald (Ina) of Moscow, TX., Stanley Morris, Sr. (Lois) of Livingston, TX and Stephen Morris, (Debra) of Chester, TX.  Siblings; James Darden, Clyde Darden, Charles Darden, Jack Darden, Glen Darden, Gertrude Trottie and Patricia Conner.  A host of grandchildren, great grandchildren, great-great children, nieces and nephews.