Gilda Morris

Mrs. Gilda Thompson Morris, 93, of Cedartown, Georgia passed away on Monday, July 15, 2024. She was born March 24, 1931, in Chesterfield, South Carolina. She was the daughter of the late Henry Perry Thompson and Hattie Irene Thompson-Mungo.

Mrs. Morris was raised in Kershaw, South Carolina. In 1948 she met the love of her life, Mr. Leon Morris at Berry College. They were both graduates of Berry College and longtime active members of the Berry Alumni Association. Mr. and Mrs. Morris married in 1950 and settled in Cedartown, Georgia where they lived out their lives.

Mrs. Morris was an elementary school teacher in Polk County for 30 years. Although she taught several grades throughout her career, she was most fond of fourth grade. She taught at Brewster School, Northside and Cherokee Elementary. The impact of Mrs. Morris' experience with her students has been lasting and is still evident to her family today. She retired in 1990 and became a member of the Polk County Retired Teachers Association.

As the oldest active member of First Methodist Church of Cedartown, Mrs. Morris joined the church on April 24, 1953. On Sundays, she would be seen with her dear friends singing in the choir. She spent over 60 years serving in the choir.

There are many loving attributes that describe Mrs. Morris. She was a kind and generous servant to her family and community. She treated everyone like family. To know Gilda was to know unconditional love and kindness. Many have also benefited from her cooking and baking, especially tea cakes and rolls. Everyone knows that she would never let you leave without giving you something from her kitchen.

Mrs. Morris was preceded in death by her loving husband of 68 years Albert Leon Morris; her son, Mark Leon Morris; her parents; her brother, Ralph Thompson; and nephew, Drennan Thompson. She is survived by her adoring daughter, Melissa Morris Cain (Bob); grandchildren: Megan Morris Respert (Jason), Kaley Morris Blankinship (Matthew), Taylor Britt Gilmer, and Annelise Grace Gilmer-Hughes (Summer); and great grandchildren: Carter Sharrow, Gunner Hatch, Isaiah Respert, Noah Respert, and Juliana Gonzalez-Hughes. She is also survived by her niece, Beverly Thompson, of Charlotte, North Carolina.

The celebration of Mrs. Gilda Morris’ life will be held on Sunday, July 21, 2024, at the Cedartown First Methodist Church at 2:00 PM. Interment will follow the service at Polk Memory Gardens. Her family will receive friends Saturday, July 20, 2024, from 6:00-8:00 PM at the Smith & Miller Funeral Home. Reverend Britt Madden will officiate. 

Pallbearers include Bob Cain, Jason Respert, Carter Sharrow, Gunner Hatch, Isaiah Respert, and Noah Respert. Honorary pallbearers include past and current members of the Cedartown First Methodist Church choir.

Flowers are welcomed. Memorial donations can be made to Cedartown First Methodist Church Choir , 201 Wissahickon Avenue, Cedartown, Georgia 30125.

The Smith & Miller Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Mrs. Gilda Morris.