Marilyn Knicely Morris

Marilynn was born on February 8, 1940 in the village of Garrison, PA and departed this life peacefully on August 31, 2024. She is preceded in death by her parents Gail Knicely and Grace (Hunt) Knicely, her husband of 56 years Jim Morris and her brother Darrell Knicely. Marilyn is survived by daughters Jan Morris, Debbie Miller and husband Don and son Brad Morris and wife Santana. She leaves behind the rich legacy of seven grandchildren, Sean Jackson and wife Linda, Ryan Jackson and wife Samantha, Lindsay Bertrand and husband Grant Thousand, Meredith Anthony and husband Jake, Otter Miller, Hailey Herrera and Nadia Herrera. Marilyn is also survived by the joy of her life, five great-grandchildren Alex Fitzgerald, Ethan Jackson, Kayelynn Thousand, Easton Anthony and Bentley Anthony. She is survived by her brother Neil Knicely. 

Marilyn had a life-long love of learning. Beside her childhood home was a one room schoolhouse she would sneak over daily until at four years old she was given a desk and allowed to begin her education. She worked for 20 years at Mobile Oil Credit Union until (inspired by her daughter Debbie) decided to become a teacher. Marilyn enrolled in Lamar University at 47 and graduated with honors at 51. She began teaching at Vidor Junior High in 2001(the same date her oldest granddaughter started kindergarten) While teaching she was named Teacher of the Year for not only the Junior High, but the entire district. One of Marilyn’s proudest accomplishments was creating the Reading Squad. She was equally as proud to have her grandson Ryan and future grandson-in-law Grant in her reading class. Marilyn also inspired her great-granddaughter Alex to become a teacher.

Her life-long learning involved new and various hobbies learned throughout her life: candle making, soap making, jewelry making and cake decorating. Music was always a large part of her life she grew up singing and playing the piano. Marilyn later learned to play the folk guitar, eventually giving guitar lessons for many years. In her 70’s she learned to play the hammer dulcimer. 

Marilyn loved to travel and after her retirement she visited many countries. She enjoyed learning other cultures and meeting people around the world.

She was a member of the Ninth and Elm Church of Christ. Marilyn loved the Lord with all her heart, might and strength and was ever the faithful Christian and nothing pleased her more than sharing her faith with others. Her kindness and service to others was at the core of who she was.

Marilyn lived a full life and will be missed by not only her family but the hundreds of students she taught throughout her years. She also touched many lives. Her legacy of kindness, learning and service will live on in future generations. 

Marilyn will be cremated and interned w9th her husband in the Veteran’s Cemetery in Grafton West Virginia. Arrangements are under the direction of Memorial Funeral Hime in Vidor.