Ellen Wade Morris

Ellen Wade Morris, 46, became God’s miracle to her parents on May 27, 1978. She left the love that surrounded her on this earth and ran into the arms of her Jesus and her Daddy on Tuesday morning, October 15, 2024, at her home in Little Rock.

True to the meaning of her name, “shining light,” and her generous nature, she was a Gift of Life donor with ARORA.

Raised in Monticello, she graduated from Monticello High School, where she excelled in choir and many other activities. With her dad as Minister of Music and Youth, she was an integral part of Second Baptist Church where she participated in many choir activities, performed many solos, and participated in numerous mission trips. Ellen later made a life-altering move to Tuscaloosa, AL to help Summit Church plant a new church, Safe Haven Church, where she headed the children ‘s ministries. 

After receiving vocal and academic scholarships, attending Ouachita Baptist University, and graduating from UAM, Ellen taught at Arkansas City, Drew Central Schools, and urban schools in New Orleans and Tuscaloosa, before she settled at PCSSD. There she was a teacher, Math Specialist, and District Behavioral Specialist. She received her Master's degree from ASU and was a National Board Certified teacher.  She also wrote Special Education curriculum for the University of Kansas that was implanted across the country. Teaching was “who she was,” not just “what she did.”

She is survived by her beloved husband and best friend of 13 years, Jeffery Scott Morris; sons, Bowden, Wade, and Gavin Morris; a special niece, Caitlin Lavender; foster son, Jerome Goodin; mother, Bennie Carol Wade; her extra Mama and sisters, Julie Fitzwater, Shea Long, and Alissa Hogue; her extra brother and sister, Charles Thomasson and Christy Anderson; her “Mimi” Jerry Burgess; her Stepfather and stepsisters, Gary Dunavan, Kim Milam, and Jonna Turner; children she fostered and taught over the years; and numerous friends and relatives. 

She is preceded by her father, Richard Len Wade; brother, Richard Benjamin Wade; grandfather, Charles Burgess; and grandparents, Russell and Vernal Wade.

Visitation will be held from 3:15 pm to 5:15 pm on Thursday, October 24, 2024, at The Summit Church, 6600 Crystal Hill Rd, North Little Rock, AR 72118. A Celebration of her Life will follow at 5:30 p.m. at the church. Ministers will be BJ Stricklin, Cody Calhoun, and Steven Morris. Pallbearers will be Amber Anyanwu, Colin Hornaday, Laura Jennings, Courtney Lea, Matt Mellor, Michele Pickett, Jordan Rauls, Bonnie Rubio, Amanda Snipes, Charles Thomasson, Ashley Washam, and Holli Wood.

There will also be a Memorial Service in Tuscaloosa, Alabama on Saturday, October 26th at 11:00 am. 

It will be held at Safehaven Church, 12143 Lary Lake Rd, Northport, AL 35475.

She loved her friends and family well, and her absence will be felt by all those who had the pleasure of knowing her and being loved by her.

Memorials may be made to 

https://mealtrain.com/ldyd94 

https://gofund.me/82f7c586