Jane Morris
- Jane Scott Morris passed away peacefully in her sleep on Tuesday, April 2, 2024, at the Parkwest Medical Center, Knoxville, Tennessee, with her daughters by her side. She was born in Melbourne, Florida, the daughter of James Walter and Pauline Callahan Scott. Jane graduated from high school in Orlando, Florida, and went on to earn a degree in Elementary Education from Florida State University in 1954. She later attended the University of Tennessee, earning a Master’s Degree in Special Education, and a certificate in Elementary Guidance Counseling.
In June 1955, Jane and her husband, the late Alton Chester “Chet” Morris, Jr. of Gainesville, Florida, were married. They lived for a brief time in Gainesville, moved to Boston, Massachusetts for a year, and then finally settled in Oak Ridge, Tennessee. They resided in Oak Ridge until Chet’s passing in 2021. Her final years were spent at Morning Pointe of Knoxville. Jane first taught school in Largo, Florida, and then worked for the Oak Ridge school system at Pine Valley and Willow Brook elementary schools from 1969 to 1976. Her final working years were spent as a teacher of gifted students for Anderson County schools from 1981 to 1992.
Jane had a great love of music. She was a long-time member of the Chancel and Handbell Choirs at First United Methodist Church in Oak Ridge, Tennessee (FUMCOR). She also participated in the Oak Ridge Community Band as a percussionist.
Jane and Chet enjoyed birdwatching, and they went on many special trips to add to their life lists. They participated in the Oak Ridge Power Squadron and were long-time members of the Danseers Ballroom Dance Club. They also enjoyed a good bridge game with friends.
Jane loved creating beautiful things. She designed and planted beautiful flower beds, enjoyed flower arranging, watercolor painting, and sewed lovely things for herself and her daughters.
Jane served as a Stephen Minister at FUMCOR, becoming a group leader. Chet joined her in this ministry, serving members of the church community in need of emotional support during difficult stages of life.
Jane is preceded in death by her parents and husband, Chet. She is survived by her daughters, Lorie Jane Morris of Knoxville, TN, and Melynn Morris Canova of Macon, GA, and granddaughters, Lauren Ashley Canova of Alpharetta, GA, and Kinsey Lee Canova of Boise, ID.
A memorial service is planned at the First United Methodist Church of Oak Ridge, 1350 Oak Ridge Turnpike, Oak Ridge, TN 37830, on May 4, 2024, beginning at 11:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the FUMCOR Stephen Ministry, or to a charity of your choice. Arrangements by Cremation Options, Inc. (865)6WE-CARE (693-2273) www. cremationoptionsinc.com.