Nancy Morris

Nancy Morris, 66, of Jefferson passed away on September 1, 2017 after a valiant fight against terminal cancer.

A Celebration of Life service was held Wednesday, September 6, 2017 at First United Methodist Church in Jefferson with Dr. David Ohrt officiating. Deenie Schuchert gave the eulogy. The recorded music played was “Buffalo March” by Lonesome Dove, “What A Wonderful World” by Louis Armstrong and “Circle of Life” by Elton John. A gathering for family and friends followed the service at the Jefferson Community Golf Course. Burial will take place at a later date at the Jefferson Cemetery in Jefferson, Iowa.  

Nancy D’Ann Morris was born February 23, 1951 to Kenneth and Helen Jean Morris, making a dramatic entrance as the family was in the middle of a move from Stringtown, Iowa to Clearfield, Iowa on that very day. Nancy grew up in Clearfield alongside three siblings, Lewis, Janie and Todd. She was a devoted daughter, conservative high school cheerleader (think knee-length skirt, Jackie-O style) and moved to the Windy City in 1969, after marrying Terry Brown of Clearfield. In Chicago, Nancy worked as a dental assistant until the couple moved to Jefferson, Iowa where they raised four sons: Brandon, Dominic, Tristan and Rhett.

In between endless loads of laundry and cooking elaborate meals, Nancy enjoyed starting collections - of everything. From Precious Moments, to Beanie Babies to Snow Village, whatever was the “it” item of the time, Nancy started a collection. There are now tubs upon tubs of stuff her sons get to sort through since she’s passed but don’t worry, if you knew Nancy, you know she already instructed them on how she wanted it done.

Many years of family memories were made at the Lake of the Ozarks where Trivial Pursuit matches, occasional tattoos, porch karaoke and coving out in the boat reigned supreme for over 15 years.

Later in life, Nancy fell in love all over again with her seven grandchildren. Aside from being “Gram,” her other passions included quilting, chocolate, gardening, ice cream, bossing others around, traveling (while complaining how much she hated packing), and she adored shamrocks, anything green and the movie, Lonesome Dove.

Nancy always had a great sense of humor and was always making other laugh. That’s the spirit this woman, mother, daughter, sister, crazy fun aunt and loyal friend to countless people sprinkled throughout her life.

Survivors include sons: Brandon Morris (Angela) Brown of Oskaloosa, Kan., Dominic Drew Brown (and special friend Maryna Jennings) of Cedar Falls, Tristan Marshall (Jenni) Brown of Roswell, Ga., Rhett Matthew Brown of Jefferson; seven grandchildren: Jacob McCowan, Alivia Lynn, Mara Jo, Ella Marie, Becca Kathryn, Wilson Drew and MacKenna Lynn; three siblings: Lewis, Janie and Todd; extended family members and friends that are all raising a few middle fingers to cancer that tends to steal joy.

Memorials are suggested to the Sierra Community Theatre.  Online condolences may be left at www.sliningerschroeder.com.

Slininger-Schroeder Funeral Home assisted the family.