Maria Morris

Maria Josefa Morris Quesada, known to her loved ones as “Pepa,” passed away on
April 28th, 2024, at the age of 79.  

Born May 23rd, 1945 in Magangue, Bolivar, Colombia, she grew up in Barranquilla. 
She was the ninth of ten children born to Carlos Arturo Morris Pastrans and Maria del Transito Quesada Perez. 
As a schoolgirl she played softball and loved music, singing, dancing, poetry, and reading, 
valued education and excelled in school, graduating with a business degree from Instituto del
Atlantico in Barranquilla, Colombia. While living in rural Colombia, she organized a
tuition-free school at her home to teach underprivileged children. A skilled seamstress,
she enjoyed machine embroidery and loved making dresses for her girls and herself.
She loved gardening as well as cooking for her family, spoiling them with their favorite
dishes.
 
Maria moved with her husband Carlos and their three children to the USA in 1979
where she returned to college to learn English. A lifelong learner, she earned multiple
certifications all while working to provide for her family. Maria was a hard worker, a trait
she endeavored to pass on to her children. She was a beloved mother and grandmother
who celebrated her family’s accomplishments and made herself present. Maria set an
example of generosity by supporting St. Jude Children’s Hospital and other worthy
causes. Maria is survived by her children, J. Carlos, Adriana, and Patricia as well as her
grandchildren, in order of birth: Jared, Allen Michael, Christian, Jonathan, Luis Carlos,
Angelika, Nathany, Nicole and Nathan. She will be sorely missed by all who knew her.


Funeral services are planned for Saturday May 4, 2024 at 11:00am preceded by an hour of visitation beginning at 10:00am. Interment will follow funeral service  in Macedonia Memorial Park..