September 22, 1933 – June 15, 2008
Geraldine Doud Morris “Jeri” passed away unexpectedly on June 15, 2008 at Santa Paula Memorial Hospital at the age of 74. She was surrounded by family and friends.
Jeri was born in Oxnard, California on September 22, 1933 to parents Robert and Laura Doud. She was the younger sister to Jim and Charlie and older sister to Sally. She attended Santa Clara Elementary School in her early years and finished High School at Ramona Convent in Alhambra. A graduate from UCLA, Jeri went on to pursue a teaching career in education and taught kindergarten at El Rodeo School in Beverly Hills.
In 1958, Jeri married John Chapman Morris “Chappy” of Fillmore, California which is where she has resided for the past 50 years. She loved all sports especially her Bruins and was an avid tennis player. Over the years, she gave back to her community in support of many local charities including Las Patronas Auxiliary, Assistance League of Ventura County, National Charity League and the Ventura County Museum.
Her greatest joy in life was her family: husband Chappy, children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews and cousins – of which there are many. She was a favorite Aunt and relative and was famous for her annual “McGrath Family” Easter party where the “Geraldine Classic” open volleyball tournament was a spirited occasion enjoyed by all. She was also known for her love of animals.
She is survived by Chappy, her husband of 50 years and her four children: Laurie Morris Smith of San Clemente, John Chapman Morris, Jr. of Ventura, Tina Morris Thomson of San Marino and William L. Morris, III of Fillmore; sons in law David B. Smith and John E. Thomson; daughters in law Lori Morris and Shelly Morris.
Oma, Namaw, Nana and Grandma was how she was known to her beloved grandchildren Chasen, Brennan and Lauren Smith, Sydney and Maggie Morris, Katie and Charlie Thomson and Hunter, Grant and Griffin Morris.
The Rosary will take place at St. Francis of Assisi Parish in Fillmore on Wednesday, June 18, 2008 at 7:00 pm. A service celebrating Jeri’s life will be held on Friday, June 20, 2008 at 10:00 am at Santa Clara Catholic Church in Oxnard.
The family asks that in lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Museum of Ventura County “Geraldine Doud Morris” memorial fund, 100 East Main Street, Ventura, CA 93001.