Mary Helen Morris

Bartow- Mary Helen "Miss Helen" Harper Morris, 79, died July 7, 2008 at Lakeland Regional Medical Center of an aneurysm. Mrs. Morris was born February 14, 1929 in Cairo, GA. She became a resident of Bartow in 1958, moving from Tallahassee, FL. Mrs. Morris, being the mother of 5 children was conservative, practical, and resolute; she will be remembered as a kind and gentle lady, respectful to her family and friends. She was always ready to share in a smile, a tear, or a bit of wisdom. She is dearly loved and is greatly missed. Miss Helen retired from the Bartow Ford Team in 2001 after nearly 45 years of loyal service. She was preceded in death by her husband of 50 years, Berrien Edward Morris. She is survived by two daughters: Cecelia & husband Bob Beckner of Nokomis and Cynthia & husband Russ Varney of Temple Terrace; three sons: Hubert Morris of Auburndale, Edward Morris of Florida, and Gary & wife Angie Morris of Wakonda, SD; two sisters: Louette & husband Leroy Hopkins and Alice Wheeler, all of Cairo,GA; seven grandchildren: Brian Morris of Providence, RI, Erin & Chris Payne of Warwick, RI, Megan Morris of Providence, RI, Kimberly & Harry Sheridan of Arnold, MD, Katie & James Slaton of Lakeland, FL, Adam Varney of Tampa,FL, and Gage Morris of Wakonda, SD; nine great grandchildren: Reiley Morris, Olivia Slaton and Scott Slaton of Lakeland, FL, Sophia Taczak, Tate Taczak and Harrison Sheridan of Arn old, MD, Cooper Payne, Morgan "MJ" Payne and Tate Payne of Warwick, RD; 4 sister-in-laws: Hattie 'Big Sister' Morris of Fernadena Beach, FL, Alice Lord of Old Town, FL Iris Morris of Plant City, FL, Elsie Harper of Dowling Park, FL, and many nieces and nephews, family and friends. Family will receive friends Friday July 11, 2008, from 6 to 8 PM at Whidden-McLean Funeral Home, Bartow,FL. Funeral Services will be held Saturday at 10:00 AM, July 12, 2008 at the funeral home. Interment will be at Oak Hill Burial Park in Lakeland, FL. Contributions may be made to: St. Jude Children's Research Hospital 501 St. Jude Place Memphis, TN 38105. Condolences to the family at www.whiddenmcleanfuneralhome.com