Shirley Rieves-Morris
Ms. Shirley Elaine Rieves- Morris (Murray), 71, wife of the late Opie Titus Morris of Ft. Wayne, IN, passed away peacefully at DePaul Hospital on Thursday, June 28, 2018 in Bridgeton, MO, surrounded by her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Ms. Rieves-Morris was born on April 18, 1947 in Mount Enterprise, TX to parents, James Murray and Gertrude O. Tate. She graduated from Potosi High School in 1965 and attended the University of Missouri- St. Louis. She married Charles Rieves with whom she had three children. She met Opie T. Morris and remarried. That union brought about two additional children. Ms. Rieves-Morris worked as a Clerk Typist for the City of St. Louis until 1989 when she moved to Ft. Wayne, IN. There she found fulfilling work serving her community as a Transitional Living Assistant for foster children in and around the area. Her children remember her as a devoted mother and grandmother who exuded love patience and tenderness in both words and actions. Her ever enduring courage and perseverance encourages them to relentlessly pursue their goals.
Ms. Rieves-Morris loved to sing and play the piano. She was often found singing to her children and teaching them about music and the arts. She also shared her love for music with the church as a member of the choir. She enthusiastically praised the Lord with every note she sang.
Ms. Rieves-Morris is survived by 2 sons Kyle C. Rieves of St. Louis, MO and Moshe Yisrael Ovada (Christopher T. Morris) of Vancouver, Washington and wife Elisheva Ovada (Gabriela Renteria); 3 daughters Dawn M. Rieves of St. Louis, MO and her husband Glen Thomas, Karla M. Rieves of Fayetteville, NC and Antonette L. M. Thompson (Morris) of Ft. Wayne, IN and her husband Nathaniel Thompson; 8 granddaughters, Brittany N. Jackson, Takecia F. Rieves and Brianna M. Slaughter all of St. Louis, MO; Jazmine R. Thompson of Ft. Wayne, IN, Kalin Rieves of St. Louis, MO, Natalya M. Thompson of Ft. Wayne, IN, Hadassa Ovada and Eliana Ovada both of Vancouver, Washington; 5 grandsons, Brandon J. Slaughter and Kyle C. Rieves Jr. of St. Louis, MO, Jamond D. Morris of Ft. Wayne, IN and Yaakov Ovada of Vancouver, Washington; 6 great-grandchildren, Gabrielle A. Turner, Brandon J. Slaughter Jr., Ari Moore, Natalie A. Jackson, Brandi A. Slaughter, and Liam J. Powell. She is also survived by a step sister, Katrina V. Tate of Cook County, IL and a host of aunts uncles, cousins, and friends.
A home going celebration is scheduled for 10:00 a.m., Thursday, July 5, 2018 at St. Louis Cremation located at 2135 Chouteau Ave, St. Louis, MO 63103, with a reception to follow at New Springs Church. Elder Tommie Price Sr. will officiate the ceremony. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Shirley Elaine Rieves-Morris’ life.
Family, although we couldn’t make it to St. Louis, wanted you to know that we loved our cousin Shirley very much. She was very dear to our mother, Harriett Ann. When we were all together all you could hear was laughter and love. Stay strong and stick together!
Love ya, your cousin from Big “D”!
Demetri Smith
To Shirley’s children (and their spouses), grandchildren, and great grandchildren, I wish to Express my deep sorrow at the passing of your dearest love one. Shirley was a beloved first cousin to me and and she spent many summers and holidays at our home in Dallas. She and my sister, Mary Frances, were as close as two sisters who along with our young aunt, Harriett Ann, were a formidable threesome who called each other “BUDDY.” She loved to sing, dance, and play the piano and we had some wonderful musical moments in the living room and on the front porch. I always kept in touch with Shirley over the years and I spoke words of love and encouragement to her as she was breathing her last breaths-thank you, Dawn for allowing me to love on her one last time. Guys, please know that I am just a phone call or text message away. I will continue to touch base with you and lift you up to God, our Father to whom we all belong. Stay close to each other and be strong and take courage knowing that you have been given a strong foundation and you can lean on the lessons you learned from Shirley as she reared you to love and care for one another as she loved and cared for you all.
Love, hugs, and blessings,
Cousin Verra