Obituary of Willie Morris Jr.

ROCHESTER, NY – March 30, 2026

Willie Morris Jr., lovingly known as Dad, Grandpa, and Friend, passed away on March 30, 2026.

Born in Mt. Carmel, South Carolina on August 24, 1939, to the union of the late Willie Morris, Sr. and Mary Thomas Morris, he was the third of nine children. He graduated from Mims High School in 1960. Shortly after graduation, he moved to Rochester, New York, traveling by bus with his sister Naomi, a journey that marked the beginning of a new chapter in his life.

After settling in Rochester, Willie began working at Highland Hospital, where his sister Naomi was also employed. Around this time, in 1961, the late Beatrice Wharton joined him in Rochester, and the two were soon married, building a life together grounded in love, resilience, and hard work. From this union, two children were born, Moffett and Felicia.

Willie was known throughout his life as a dependable and hardworking man. Over the years, he held a variety of jobs, including many years in the oil and automotive industries, always providing for his family and taking pride in his work. His strong work ethic was a reflection of the values he carried into every aspect of his life.

Following the passing of his wife, Beatrice, he later married Isabelle Cummings and warmly embraced her children Joel (Donita) Cummings, Angela Smith, Rachel (Randolph) Sott, and Cheryl (Ken) Aldridge and their families as his own.

For over 35 years, Willie shared a loving and devoted companionship with his beloved partner, Vertilla Marsh. Her steadfast presence and care remained by his side, especially during his illness. He also cherished her children and grandchildren Adina McFadden (Malcom Ewing Sr.), Letitia Ewing, Denzell Reaves, Malcolm Ewing Jr., and Myasia Ewing who became an important and beloved part of his life.

Throughout his career, Willie continued to build on his skills and independence. He worked as a security guard, where he patrolled several locations alongside his loyal German Shepherd, Tippy, whom he raised and trained from a puppy. In his later years, he became self-employed, using his expertise to repair heating and air conditioning systems. Through this work, he served many in his community, continuing to help others until his retirement.

Willie will be remembered for his quiet strength, independence, and unwavering dedication to his family. Whether through his work or his relationships, he was always willing to lend a helping hand and support those around him.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Beatrice (Wharton) Morris; his parents; his brothers, Sammy Morris and Alex Morris; and his sister, Lucille Sampson.

Left to cherish his memory are his children, Moffett (Joanna) Morris and Felicia (Fred) Jefferson; his grandchildren, Cameron Morris, Alondra Morris, John Jefferson, and Jackie Jefferson; his siblings, Naomi Glover, Maggie Burnett, Jimmy Morris, and Geraldine Morris; along with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members, and friends whose lives he touched.

Family and Friends may call Saturday, April 4, 2026 from 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM at Goodwill Baptist Church, 111 Clifton St, Rochester, NY 14611. The Funeral Service to Celebrate his life will immediately follow at 11:00 AM with Rev. Cuyler officiating. Interment Mt. Hope Cemetery, Rochester, NY.