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tree
planted in memory of Tessie Jo Morris
Obituary for Tessie Jo Morris
Tessie Jo Morris, 70, of Barnwell passed away at her home early Saturday, November 25, 2023.
Tessie Jo was raised in Ware Shoals, SC where she graduated high school and then attended Winthrop University where she received her Bachelor of Arts in history. Tessie Jo then moved to Barnwell where she began her career in education and met her late husband, Bruce Morris.
Over her nearly forty years of teaching eighth grade history at Guinyard Butler Middle School and Allendale Fairfax Middle School, Tessie Jo influenced and impacted untold numbers of students. Her passion for history as well as her interest in students’ lives endeared her to many.
Tessie Jo was also an enthusiastic member of Barnwell United Methodist Church where she taught Sunday school, served on many committees, and was never afraid to lend a helping hand. She was also a proud member of the Harmony Hope Chapter 229 Order of the Eastern Star where she held several official positions including Worthy Matron. Tessie Jo was also an avid reader. Chances were, if she wasn’t talking to her numerous friends or playing with her beloved dogs, she could be found with her nose in a book.
However, her greatest joy in life was spending time with her family.
Survivors include her daughter, Courtney Morris of Clemson; stepdaughter, Stephanie (Ray) Hoyer of North Augusta; sister, Annis (Larry) Banks of Milton, KY; sister-in-law, Teresa Patterson of Spartanburg; brother-in-law, Kevin Morris of Barnwell; niece, Michala Patterson of Chapel Hill; step granddaughter, Britney Burleson (Jessie) of Barnwell; and beloved friend, Barney Mazursky of Charleston.
In addition to her husband, Tessie Jo was preceded in death by her daughter Tara Anne Morris and parents Joseph Jenkins and Tessie Jenkins Smith.
A visitation will be held on Wednesday, November 29th, 2023 at 1:00 PM at the Barnwell United Methodist Church, with a memorial service to follow at 2:00 PM. Graveside will be held in the Barnwell United Methodist Church Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to Barnwell United Methodist Church, PO Box 126, Barnwell SC, 29812.
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