Gwendolyn Gaye Morrison passed away January 3, 2017, in Garland, Texas. She was 81 year of age. Gaye was preceded in death by her father and mother, Henry Otis and Carrie Mae Green, her brother, George Ronnie Green and her son-in-law Joe Torres. Gaye is survived by her husband Bill Morrison and her sons Kelly, Cory and Matthew Morrison.
Bill and Gaye were set to begin enjoying their golden years until their youngest son, Matthew’s marriage of 13 years ended and he was forced to make the difficult decision to return home to Garland and move back in with them. Matthew was born with Spina Bifida, a severe birth defect of the spine and has been independent for most of his adult life. Most recently, due to complication with his Kidneys, Matt now requires dialysis three times a week and is for the most part, confined to his bed 80% of the time. Bill and Gaye were now faced with providing, not only food, shelter and healthcare for him, but emotional support as well. Just as things with Matt were beginning to settle into a routine, as many of you know, their middle son, Cory’s husband, Joe Torres, passed away on January 4th, 2016, unexpectedly, from Creutzfeldt-Jakobs Disease. The family was devastated and have been dealing with his loss and their grief for the past year.
In April of 2016, Kelly, Bill and Gaye's eldest son’s marriage fell apart, and for lack of anywhere to go, was forced to move back in to Bill and Gaye’s home. Kelly, suffering from a couple of strokes a few years earlier and his diabetes, also requires dialysis three times a week and monitoring of his diabetes medications. Suddenly, Bill and Gaye, both in their 80’s, were now faced with caring for both Matt and Kelly, a full-time job for each.
On top of this, Gaye had suffered from Rheumatoid Arthritis for more than 30 years, a fractured vertebrae in her neck from a fall the year before, as well as breast cancer, leading to a mastectomy last year. Yet she never complained and continued managing the household finances, medical bills, medical appointments and medications for not only herself, but for Matt, Kelly and her husband, Bill. Bill’s role quickly became taxi service to and from dialysis, doctor’s appointments, shopping, and anything else they needed. Thankfully, through the kindness of strangers, a van with a wheelchair lift, was donated to the family. This is the only way Matt can be transported. Unfortunately, the van is a 2004 and has many miles on it and is in need of regular maintenance and up keep, which is costly.
Gaye and Bill joined Axe Memorial United Methodist Church in 1960. Gaye served in the United Methodist Women’s Society for over forty years. They have been members of the Pacesetter’s Sunday School Class, for just about as many years, where they developed life long friendships. She and Bill led the Methodist Youth Fellowship for several years, where they chaperoned numerous youth choir and MYF trips, and were instrumental in Bible School as well as hundreds of social events over the years. Gaye also co-founded and orchestrated the Clown Ministry at Axe Memorial United Methodist Church for several years. They both love anything to do with their Church and have always been there to help. Most recently, they were members of “Triple A”, Axe Awesome Adults and loved all the trips, lunches and other social events. Bill Morrison retired from Delta Airlines since 1993, when he started Morrison Wheelchair Repair. He has never charged his clients for his service, just covered parts. He always said, “It’s not about the money!” Unfortunately, he has had to let most of his business go to take care of his two sons, now depending on him again. He has always been there to help the people that need it most.
Bill and Gaye helped co-found and grow the Dallas chapter of the Spina Bifida Association, from a small parent support group into the national organization it is today. At that time, in 1973, families all around the United States were dealing with this serious birth defect with no helpful advice or true knowledge of the possibilities for a good life. Gaye was determined to change that, helping set up monthly meetings with speakers to provide accurate and helpful information to families. Gaye was the first president of the Dallas chapter of the Spina Bifida Association of Dallas and served as treasurer for many years. She also served as president at the state and national level, and was a national delegate for 38 years.
Her determination, wisdom and organizational skills were a major factor in the U.S., State of Texas and Dallas communities knowing and understanding spina bifida. She made many trips to Austin and the US Congress and Senate, fighting for change in our public school, for equality for the physically and mentally challenged. Gaye was instrumental in building and maintaining many of the programs still in existence, including Camp TLC and the scholarship program. She only missed one annual conference in forty years. She remained a board member until 2014, and retired after 40 years of service, but was always just a phone call away. Gaye was inspired and driven by her love for her son, Matthew. It was her true calling in life. Bill and Gaye have both led a life of service and Bill continues to do so with his participation in the church sponsored food bank each week. They have never, never asked anyone for help, ever.
Unfortunately, with Gaye’s passing, their son Cory is now faced with the unimaginable task of managing finances and healthcare for Matt, Kelly and Bill. The family is researching all possible forms of government assistance, as well as private and non-profit avenues. However, the cost of maintaining this, is so much more than the meager disability and retirement income currently available to them. Therefore, if you can, please donate to there cause. This family needs our love, support and our financial assistance to ensure all four of them are well cared for. From a family that has given their lives in service and never asked for any help, they are asking for your help, NOW.
All donations are sincerely and gratefully appreciated.
Gaye was fun-loving and kind, a loving wife, caring mother and devoted friend. She was a compassionate, truly selfless person, who’s faith guided her, gave her strength, hope, courage and finally peace. She lived a life of faith, family and love and has absolutely earned her place next to her Lord and is now able to watch over of her family and friends, like never before. For this we are so very thankful.
Memorial service was held on Saturday, January 21, 2017 at 1:00 P.M. at Axe Memorial United Methodist Church, 1700 W. Kingsley Road, Garland, TX, 75041.
Bill and Gaye were set to begin enjoying their golden years until their youngest son, Matthew’s marriage of 13 years ended and he was forced to make the difficult decision to return home to Garland and move back in with them. Matthew was born with Spina Bifida, a severe birth defect of the spine and has been independent for most of his adult life. Most recently, due to complication with his Kidneys, Matt now requires dialysis three times a week and is for the most part, confined to his bed 80% of the time. Bill and Gaye were now faced with providing, not only food, shelter and healthcare for him, but emotional support as well. Just as things with Matt were beginning to settle into a routine, as many of you know, their middle son, Cory’s husband, Joe Torres, passed away on January 4th, 2016, unexpectedly, from Creutzfeldt-Jakobs Disease. The family was devastated and have been dealing with his loss and their grief for the past year.
In April of 2016, Kelly, Bill and Gaye's eldest son’s marriage fell apart, and for lack of anywhere to go, was forced to move back in to Bill and Gaye’s home. Kelly, suffering from a couple of strokes a few years earlier and his diabetes, also requires dialysis three times a week and monitoring of his diabetes medications. Suddenly, Bill and Gaye, both in their 80’s, were now faced with caring for both Matt and Kelly, a full-time job for each.
On top of this, Gaye had suffered from Rheumatoid Arthritis for more than 30 years, a fractured vertebrae in her neck from a fall the year before, as well as breast cancer, leading to a mastectomy last year. Yet she never complained and continued managing the household finances, medical bills, medical appointments and medications for not only herself, but for Matt, Kelly and her husband, Bill. Bill’s role quickly became taxi service to and from dialysis, doctor’s appointments, shopping, and anything else they needed. Thankfully, through the kindness of strangers, a van with a wheelchair lift, was donated to the family. This is the only way Matt can be transported. Unfortunately, the van is a 2004 and has many miles on it and is in need of regular maintenance and up keep, which is costly.
Gaye and Bill joined Axe Memorial United Methodist Church in 1960. Gaye served in the United Methodist Women’s Society for over forty years. They have been members of the Pacesetter’s Sunday School Class, for just about as many years, where they developed life long friendships. She and Bill led the Methodist Youth Fellowship for several years, where they chaperoned numerous youth choir and MYF trips, and were instrumental in Bible School as well as hundreds of social events over the years. Gaye also co-founded and orchestrated the Clown Ministry at Axe Memorial United Methodist Church for several years. They both love anything to do with their Church and have always been there to help. Most recently, they were members of “Triple A”, Axe Awesome Adults and loved all the trips, lunches and other social events. Bill Morrison retired from Delta Airlines since 1993, when he started Morrison Wheelchair Repair. He has never charged his clients for his service, just covered parts. He always said, “It’s not about the money!” Unfortunately, he has had to let most of his business go to take care of his two sons, now depending on him again. He has always been there to help the people that need it most.
Bill and Gaye helped co-found and grow the Dallas chapter of the Spina Bifida Association, from a small parent support group into the national organization it is today. At that time, in 1973, families all around the United States were dealing with this serious birth defect with no helpful advice or true knowledge of the possibilities for a good life. Gaye was determined to change that, helping set up monthly meetings with speakers to provide accurate and helpful information to families. Gaye was the first president of the Dallas chapter of the Spina Bifida Association of Dallas and served as treasurer for many years. She also served as president at the state and national level, and was a national delegate for 38 years.
Her determination, wisdom and organizational skills were a major factor in the U.S., State of Texas and Dallas communities knowing and understanding spina bifida. She made many trips to Austin and the US Congress and Senate, fighting for change in our public school, for equality for the physically and mentally challenged. Gaye was instrumental in building and maintaining many of the programs still in existence, including Camp TLC and the scholarship program. She only missed one annual conference in forty years. She remained a board member until 2014, and retired after 40 years of service, but was always just a phone call away. Gaye was inspired and driven by her love for her son, Matthew. It was her true calling in life. Bill and Gaye have both led a life of service and Bill continues to do so with his participation in the church sponsored food bank each week. They have never, never asked anyone for help, ever.
Unfortunately, with Gaye’s passing, their son Cory is now faced with the unimaginable task of managing finances and healthcare for Matt, Kelly and Bill. The family is researching all possible forms of government assistance, as well as private and non-profit avenues. However, the cost of maintaining this, is so much more than the meager disability and retirement income currently available to them. Therefore, if you can, please donate to there cause. This family needs our love, support and our financial assistance to ensure all four of them are well cared for. From a family that has given their lives in service and never asked for any help, they are asking for your help, NOW.
All donations are sincerely and gratefully appreciated.
Gaye was fun-loving and kind, a loving wife, caring mother and devoted friend. She was a compassionate, truly selfless person, who’s faith guided her, gave her strength, hope, courage and finally peace. She lived a life of faith, family and love and has absolutely earned her place next to her Lord and is now able to watch over of her family and friends, like never before. For this we are so very thankful.
Memorial service was held on Saturday, January 21, 2017 at 1:00 P.M. at Axe Memorial United Methodist Church, 1700 W. Kingsley Road, Garland, TX, 75041.
Organizer and beneficiary
Cory Morrison
Beneficiary