Dessie R. Morrison

Dessie Rea Morrison passed away at the age of 83, on December 3, 2023, in Kansas City, MO. She transitioned at home surrounded by family. Dessie was born on November 3, 1940, in Riverton, Louisiana, to Counsel Smith Sr. and Mary Smith. She graduated from Union Central High School in Brownsville, Louisiana. In 1963, Dessie moved to Kansas City, MO where she attended Saint Luke’s College of Nursing, and received her LPN. She worked for Saint Luke’s for many years. Dessie worked private duty for the Wennick family and later retired from Carestaf. Dessie married Jerry Morrison in 1974, in Kansas City, MO. She was a faithful member of Palestine Missionary Baptist Church of Jesus Christ and served on the Mother Board, Focus on Christian Women, and the Maddie Davis Circle, where they would go and pray for the sick in hospitals and nursing homes. She was truly a “Beacon of Light”.

Dessie was preceded in death by her parents and husband. Children: Shandre Smith, Marlyn Smith, and Jeri Morrison. Siblings: Louvonia Davis, Dorothy McClain, Willie Lea Boone, William “Buddy” Smith, Pankie Lea Smith, Counsel “Count” Smith Jr., and Gloria Griffin. Grandchildren: Marlon Smith and Shalonda Jackson.

Dessie Morrison is survived by her children: Audrey Smith (Darryl Holly Sr.), Aubrey Smith, Barbara Smith, and Achavis Morrison. Siblings: John Smith, Percy Smith (Anita Smith), and sister-in-law, Vercy Smith. Grandchildren: Rocky Smith, Chira Smith, Tierrica Holly, Darryl Holly, Deundrae Smith (Trisla Smith), Aubrea Smith (Jimisha Pugh), Destiny Smith, Audrion Jackson, Shandrea Grear, Keion Smith, Dalen Ridgnal, Brooklynn Morrison, Kyndall Ridgnal, Ryann Ridgnal, Micah Morrison, Jordan Morrison, twenty-seven great-grandchildren, nine great, great grandchildren and a special niece Cheryl Hughes and a host of relatives and friends.