By Barbara Lyles-Moton Barbara Morris' friend and coworker at Normandy Senior High

 

Barbara Jean Ryland Morris was born in St. Louis, Missouri at Homer G. Phillips Hospital. She moved to Haiti, Missouri, at an early age and attended public school there. She did not enroll in school until age 8because no one made her; yet she had a determination to learn to read and to be educated. She did just that! She later moved to St. Louis and attended Forest Park Junior College, then transferred to the University of Missouri-St. Louis, earning a bachelor's degree, then completing her education at Washington University win an M.A. in counseling. Barbara began working at Normandy High School in 1974 as a social studies teacher and later entered the Guidance Department. Barbara retired five years ago. She had a great influence on the lives of many students and was well-liked by both students and faculty. She was a great influence in helping Michael Talley earn various scholarships that enabled him to earn a degree in respiratory therapy and a position at Barnes Hospital where Barbara spent her final days. Michael visited Barbara and expresses his thanks, stating that he made it because of her, just as many other students did. Barbara married Daniel Morris on August 28, 1978. To this union was born two children, Erik Morris (25) and Channon Morris (23). She leaves to cherish her memory her mother Aremetha Jones, two sisters, one brother who resides in Boonesville and another brother who lives in St. Louis, and her granddaughter Allana D. Morris. She truly loved her family and friends and being retired.

 

Memorial services for Barbara Morris, former Normandy High counselor, took place March 17 at Granberry Mortuary on Jennings Station Road. Monetary donations in her honor can be sent to the Normandy Senior High Guidance Department to establish a memorial scholarship in her name.