Morssie Lee Edgerson

Morssie Lee Edgerson, 78, passed away on January 4, 2026, surrounded by the love, prayers, and comfort of family, at home in Tulsa, Oklahoma. She was born on April 10, 1947, in Swan Lake, Arkansas, to the late Ruben and Dorothy Guein. She grew up in Kansas City, Missouri, where she graduated from Central High School in 1965. After high school, she attended Lincoln University in Jefferson City, Missouri, from which she earned her Bachelor of Science in Education in 1969. While attending Lincoln University, Morssie became a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. in December 1966. Morssie also later earned a Master of Arts in English at the University of Missouri-Kansas City in 1986. During her time at Lincoln University, she met, was courted by, and fell in love with Raymond Edgerson. The two wed in Anchorage, Alaska, on December 31, 1970, while Raymond was stationed there in the United States Army. To their loving union, two children were born, Brandon and Adrienne (“Nikki”).

Morssie began teaching in the Kansas City, Missouri School District in 1970. She taught English, Literature, and Composition at Westport High School and Lincoln College Prep. From 1993-1998, Morssie was an Adjunct Professor of English in the High School/College Program. In 2005, Morssie began teaching at Longview Community College, from which she retired in 2012. Morssie was an exceptional educator who loved and was loved by her many students over the years. Over the course of her career, she received numerous awards, some of which included: Outstanding Educator of America in 1973 and 1978; Outstanding Young Women of America in 1983; and Who’s Who Among Teachers in 1994 and 1995. Additionally, in 1996, Morssie’s poem, “Life’s Riches,” was included in the National Library of Poetry’s book, Daybreak on the Land.

Morssie deeply loved and cherished her family and friends. She was an exceptional wife and mother. Morssie always made herself available to be a listening ear whenever needed. She was supportive and attended all of her children’s memorable moments, even as they grew into adults. She also modeled selflessness for her children. When her parents were sick, Morssie cared for both of them while taking care of her home. When her grandmother, who lived to be 101 years old, needed care, Morssie cared for all of her needs until she passed as well. Morssie never complained and modeled perfectly how to care for others. These jewels resonated deeply with her daughter, Adrienne (“Nikki”), as she cared for Morssie in her final years because her mother was the best example.

Morssie had the most radiant smile that lit up any room, and she gave the best hugs. Morssie made everyone in her presence feel loved. She was known for her quiet, calm demeanor and for being classy, neat, and sweet. Morssie would provide top-tier hospitality to anyone who visited her home, always inviting her guests to stay for her delicious, home-cooked meals. Morssie was especially known by her family and friends for making the best brown bag ham, red velvet cake, and homemade cherry cheesecake. Beyond cooking, Morssie also enjoyed sewing, quilting, and reading. And, of course, Morssie especially loved spending time with her grandchildren. She was a proud grandmother who loved playing games with her grandchildren, attending all their events, cooking for them, and reading to them.

Most importantly, Morssie loved the Lord. She beautifully modeled what it means to be a virtuous woman. She was a woman of elegance, a sweet, loving, devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend. Morssie had a beautiful soprano voice and loved singing and playing the piano. Her love for God radiated through her beautiful voice, especially when she sang her favorite song, “We Shall Behold Him.” Although Morssie was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, she always remembered the Lord and the hymns of the faith. Scripture and those hymns brought her great comfort all the days of her life, including in her final days before the Lord called her home. Before her diagnosis, Morssie read the Bible every day, and when she could no longer do so herself, her family, including her grandchildren, would read God’s Word to her to remind her of His love and care for her. In earlier years, when she could not sleep, Morssie would get up in the middle of the night, go and sit down in the living room next to her piano, and read her Bible, a memory that is forever etched in her children’s minds and that they will pass on for generations to come.

Morssie was preceded in death by her husband of 53 years, Raymond Edgerson, and both parents, Reuben and Dorothy Guein. She is survived by her two children, Brandon (Rhonda) Edgerson of Kansas City, Missouri and Adrienne (Arnold) King of Tulsa, Oklahoma; daughter-in-law, Cynthia Edgerson of Raytown, Missouri; brothers, James Guein of Kathleen, Georgia and Sean Randel of Kansas City, Missouri; five grandchildren, Brandi Edgerson, Bruce J. Edgerson, Brandon T. Edgerson, Tyler King, and Payton King; two great-grandchildren, D’Angelo Campbell and Ava Campbell; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends. They will cherish her memory and carry on her legacy forever.