MORRIS SCHULTZ
1924-2019
Morris Schultz was larger than life and for 94 ½ years, you could find him with a huge smile and warm handshake which he extended to everyone he met. Morris was born in Houston, Texas on June 10, 1924, the second son and sixth child born to Harry and Mary Saperstein Schultz. He was a graduate of Jefferson Davis High School and a proud member of the Jewish community including serving as a charter member of the Jewish youth group, Cyrus Adler AZA. His parents raised him in a household full of love, faith, and family. In the early months of 1953, he met the love of his life, Sylvia Rose Levy, and they were married December 13, 1953. They soon started a family and within seven years, they had four children: Linda, Howard, Barbara, and Steven.
Morris and Sylvia’s family would grow as their four children married having eight grandchildren and four great grandchildren. Throughout their 65
years of marriage, Morris and Sylvia created lifelong memories: coaching little league football and attending athletic events of their kids and grandkids. As his children grew, he was very proud to have sent all four of them to college and to have witnessed their graduations and then the graduations of his grandchildren. In addition, he shared in all 8 Bar/ Bat Mitzvahs and took each grandchild on a unique trip to celebrate. He watched 5 of his grandchildren marry and have children of their own. This gave him much “nachas” (pride and joy).
When you mention Morris Schultz, a clear image comes to mind of a man in cowboy boots, khaki shorts and a white t-shirt standing in front of a barbeque pit. He cooked not only for his family and all the guests at his 50th wedding anniversary, but also for many Beth Yeshurun Synagogue events. If you were fortunate enough to own a custom home built by Morris and his two sons, you were gifted with one of his famous briskets. Our “family politician” turned everyone he met into a lifelong friend. He was a pillar of support to his family and to the community, stepping in whenever anyone had fallen onto hard times and needed help. The legend of “Papa,” as he was lovingly called by his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren, will live on as an inspiration to all he touched.
The number 13 played an important part in Morris’ life. He said it was his lucky number as he joined the army, married his bride, had a son born, and a granddaughter born all on the 13th. In true Morris style, it is fitting that his funeral will be held on February 13th. There will be a private burial followed by a memorial and minyan service open to the community held at Beth Yeshurun at 5:00 pm. In lieu of flowers or gifts, donations can be made to the Yes Group at Beth Yeshurun.
Morris is survived by the love of his life, his bride, Sylvia Levy Schultz, children Linda Schultz Mendeloff (Gary), Howard Schultz (Elyse), Barbara Schultz Stern (Paul), Steven Schultz (Bonnie). Devoted grandchildren include A.J. and Laura Stern, Eryn Schultz, Jared and Stephanie Mendeloff, Mindy Schultz, Jacob and Alejandra Stern, Miles and Melissa Mendeloff, Devyn Schultz, and great grandchildren Saúl Stern, Isaiah Stern, Nolan Stern and Emilia Stern. He is also survived by his brother, Dr. Herman Schultz and sister-in-law, Dorothy Versman, along with numerous nieces and nephews.
The family wants to give thanks to his wonderful team of caregivers Addie Scott, Carma Marshall, Marcy Ochaeta, Joshua Collins, and Shavaria Flanagan with Executive Care LLC and the owner Dolores Thornton.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Harry and Mary Schultz, five of his siblings and their spouses, and his beloved grandson, Ryan Ferris Mendeloff. His memory and legacy will be forever a blessing to our family.
A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, February 13, 2019 at 5:00 pm Congregation Beth Yeshurun, 4525 Beechnut Street, Houston, Texas 77096