Sweet Mother

It is with gratitude to God for a life well lived that we announce the passing of our wife, mother, grandmother and sister, Ifeyinwa “Iffy” Sussana Morris (nee Okeke) on May 17, 2017. Iffy was born on October 6, 1948 in Aba, Nigeria. She is the eldest child of Chief James Chukwuma (Ogbunechedo Nnewi) and Mrs. Jane Nonyelum Okeke of Mbanagu, Otolo, Nnewi in Anambra State.

As a young girl, she grew up in Enugu and attended WTC Practicing School, Enugu. Subsequently, she attended Archdeacon Crowther Memorial Girls Secondary School Elelenwa, Port Harcourt, Nigeria where she was very active in student activities such as cultural dances, the debating society, and drama. She played the lead role of "Alice" in the dramatic play “Alice in Wonderland". Iffy graduated with Grade 1 (high honors) and was admitted into the University of Nigeria Enugu Campus to study Accountancy but her studies were curtailed because of the Civil War. Immediately after the war, she was evacuated to Gabon before proceeding to the United States to continue with her studies at Bates College in Lexington, Maine where she received a BA in Economics.

Family was always her priority. She declined admission to Stanford University in California for graduate studies to start a family. Iffy was briefly employed at Niger Insurance and then at the Central Bank of Nigeria but left to focus on her growing family while serving on the board of several corporations. Post retirement, she worked at the Industrial Arbitration Panel in Abuja as an Arbitrator. She resigned when her husband suffered health challenges and had to be relocated back to the USA.

Her life was dedicated to the service and worship of Christ. Her mission was to bring the love of Christ to all who she encountered. This passion led her to serve as a special education teacher at Memorial High School, Houston, TX where her nurturing spirit provided growth and encouragement to her students.

Many will remember her daily greetings. She was known to sing greetings to people with such joy, regardless of any given circumstance. We can all remember her calling and saying “Happy Sunday!” She would sing the same sunny song no matter what day it was. Her cheer and enthusiasm was infectious. She could bring a smile to everyone. Her favorite charity was the St. Jude’s Research Hospital because of the amazing way they helped children and their families battle catastrophic diseases including cancer. Her many hobbies included reading, spending time with her grandchildren, travelling and being the most awesome grandmother.

She is survived by her husband Chief Patrick A. Morris, nine children, fourteen grandchildren, her uncle Engr. (Chief) Obiukwu Okeke "Uncle Obi”, and countless loving family and friends.

Words cannot express our appreciation for her life. In so many ways, she has selflessly blessed and enriched our lives and those of others. The family would like to thank everyone for their prayers and support.

Hotels proposed are close to the location for the funeral service on Sunday with easy access to the highway and have an average customer rating of at least 4.0. Another option is to pick a hotel on the left, off highway 610 – this would be closer to the Galleria mall. When you call to get a pricing, please know discounts are provided if you are a member of the hotel rewards program (e.g. Hilton or Marriott) or a member of AAA or AARP. Feel free to ask for discounts they offer. General pricing has been from $80s to $109 – but these prices will fluctuate based on when you call so please book early and ask for their cancellation policy should you need to do so. Please see proposed hotels below: