Dr. Michael Gregory Morris

Michael Gregory Morris was born on May 27, 1963, to Nelson and Wessie Morris in Hollywood, Florida. He accepted Christ at an early age. A very self-motivated and conscientious student, he was always an avid reader, hungry for knowledge. Michael excelled in school, winning various awards such as the Daughters’ of the American Revolution essay competition (which he found particularly hilarious) and the State of Florida Spelling Bee. After graduating from Miramar High School in Broward County, Michael received a Bachelor of Science from Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia. Following his graduation from Emory, Michael earned his Doctorate of Medicine from the University of Miami in Miami, Florida. After receiving his medical degree, Michael and Monica were joined in matrimony on June 17, 1991 (they met on their first day of college at Emory University and soon became inseparable, which lasted for a lifetime). Michael and Monica relocated to New Orleans, Louisiana where Michael began a residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology at Tulane University. Michael completed his residency at Albert Einstein in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He quickly earned his Board Certification appearing before the Fellows of the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology. Michael was licensed to practice medicine in seven states, and won numerous awards throughout his academic, residency, and professional careers such as High Honors from the Council of Resident Education in Obstetrics and Gynecology and the Co-Worker’s Choice Award for Resident Excellence in Enhancing Compassion, Professionalism, Teamwork and Quality of Care. After working with Williamsport Obstetrics and Gynecology in Williamsport, Pennsylvania, Michael relocated to Jackson, Mississippi where he opened his own medical practice. Michael was dedicated to his patients, worked long hours ensuring their care and the safe delivery of their infants. Michael was an accomplished clinician and appeared in various publications during his profession. In 2008, he was profiled in Portico as one of the up and coming OB-GYNs in the Central Mississippi Area. He participated in numerous health fairs, appearing throughout the community on panels devoted to Women’s Health. He performed the research that garnered a large grant devoted to exercise and healthy eating in the Mississippi Delta. Michael last practiced with North Oaks, Ob-Gyn in Hammond, Louisiana. Michael was determined to become a runner and to that end he ran three to five miles three times a week and participated in races from the Crescent City Classic to the Jackson Mississippi Watermelon race and trained assiduously for the Blues Marathon until he was sidelined by a knee injury. He was a supportive member of College Hill Missionary Baptist Church, where he served on the health ministry and along with the Chair spearheaded a College Hill Health Fair. There was nothing Michael loved more than family and talking with family and friends. He was devoted to his family and to that end, if you met Michael you would inevitably be treated to stories of his upbringing and the summers he spent in Gainesville, Florida at his maternal grandparents’ home. He believed in sharing stories as a way of telling his children about their ancestors as well as demonstrating the stock from which they hailed. He also wanted to know about your family, and he listened with care and never forgot a single detail. His love of family, singing and learning are an example of how to live life well. Three children were born to the union of Michael and Monica: Meredith, Clay and Jackson. Michael was a loving husband and devoted father. His children were the apple of his eye - he loved them, encouraged them and was involved with their lives. Despite the professional demands of being an obstetrician, Michael participated in and attended many of the children’s events taking time to help with school projects (which with him could take on a life of its own.) With “Dad” you had to research the topic thoroughly, outline a plan, list needed materials, check that list twice, and then finally make the trek to the store to purchase the materials. While the kids were eager to begin, “Dad” insisted on laying out the materials, planning the steps again to actually make the project, and of course, everything had to be painstakingly drawn, cut, glued and affixed with precision. By the time the project was complete, the child was on the floor in tears and Michael was assuring them that it would take top honors (and the project would.) Michael could also be seen running into the house just in time to leave again to take them on camp-outs, make it to cheer them across the finish line at cross-country races and sliding into seat at the CPA to catch a performance, hear them read a line of the litany, or just to play a bar of a movement. Michael never tired of fatherhood. His children were his pride and joy. In our grief, we are shaken by the totality of Michael. His unquestionable love for his family. His love of music. His life-long love of learning. His ability to put people at ease and just be... How much he enjoyed being with people, hearing and sharing stories about family. In one sense his story is no different from many men who work tirelessly so that their children can have a brighter future. In another, more personal sense, his story is that of a formidable hero who carried everything on his shoulders to give us a happy home and secure future. We can only hope the breaking of our hearts now is testament enough to the gratitude and love we feel for him. Michael earned his eternal rest. Now it is our turn to try and be worthy of his sacrifice by following his example: to be decent people, hard workers, to care for family and think of others first, to give back to the community, and to cherish everything he gave us-our sense of belonging, family, our memories and happy lives. On Thursday, September 24, 2020, Michael transitioned from this earthly life, and we celebrate his home-going today. He leaves to mourn and cherish many wonderful memories, his wife, Monica J. Clay; children, Meredith, Clay and Jackson; his parents, Nelson and Wessie Morris of Gainesville, Florida; a sister, Brigitte Morris of Fort Myers, Florida; more than just in-laws, the Clay family: sister-in-law Chriscella, brother-in-law James, nieces and nephew, Ricki, Lee and Justin Clay; a large host of loving aunts and uncles, cousins, and a host of other relatives and special friends. All will never forget Michael and his impact on their lives. He will be remembered as an honorable man who loved a good joke and took pleasure in living and laughing.

Dr. Michael Gregory Morris

May 27, 1963 - September 24, 2020