Obituaries
Kathryn Morrison was born on July 11, 1941, in Love, Mississippi, to Garfield and Mable Thomas, the youngest of five children. She was preceded in death by her siblings Elijah, Henrene, Claudia, and James.
Kathryn spent her early years in Memphis, Tennessee, where she attended Mt. Pisgah CME Church. While a student at Melrose High School, she was honored to be selected as the Nursery Bowl Queen. After graduating in 1959, she attended LeMoyne-Owen College in Memphis before continuing her education at Lewis Business College in Detroit and later at San Diego City College. It was in San Diego where she began raising her three children: Syble, Greg, and Donnylle.
Life’s Journey
Kathryn faced life’s challenges with courage and faith. She endured the heartbreaking loss of her five-year-old son, a divorce, and the responsibilities of single parenthood. Drawing strength from her trust in God, she remained steadfast for her two daughters and built a meaningful career with the San Diego City School District.
From 1977 to 1993, Kathryn served at Loma Portal Elementary, Keiller Middle School, and O’Farrell Junior High as an instructional aide, counseling aide, and leader of several programs. She received numerous awards for her dedication and for presenting at state and local conferences. Beloved by students, teachers, and administrators, she co-founded, along with her friend McVey “Mack” Tripplett, the Ladies of Quality (LQ’s) and Gentlemen of Quality (GQ’s) leadership groups, empowering students to excel academically, serve their community, and lead with character.
After retiring in 1993, Kathryn returned to Memphis to be near her mother. She worked as a Credit Clerk at Sheraton Casino and Isle of Capri from 1993 to 2002, earning Employee of the Month honors at both. She later served as a Career Center Receptionist at LeMoyne-Owen College, where she received multiple service awards for her dedication.
Personal Interests
Kathryn was a passionate sports fan—especially for basketball and football—faithfully cheering for the San Diego Chargers and Memphis Grizzlies. She also enjoyed crossword puzzles, mahjong, and casino games. But her greatest joy was her family. She attended every activity for her children and grandchildren, and she cherished being present for the birth of all four grandchildren.
Family
Kathryn is survived by her daughter, Donnylle Hampton, and her husband, Norman Hampton; four grandchildren: Brandy-Nicole Chambers, Brandon-Victor Brown, Marcus Hampton, and Andrew Hampton; four great-grandchildren: D’Lainey Bradford, Trey Hampton, Jace Hampton, and Omari Hampton; her niece, Linda Stigers; and a host of relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, her daughter Syble Morrison, her son Gregory Morrison, her siblings Henrene, Claudia, and her brothers James and Elijah Thomas.
Message from the Family
Kathryn will be deeply missed by all who knew her, but especially by her family. We will miss her smile, her laugh, and most of all, her heart. If you were ever loved by Kathryn Morrison, you felt it—because she loved deeply, fiercely, and unconditionally.
The family of Kathryn Morrison deeply appreciates your kind expressions of sympathy during our time of great sorrow. Thank you for keeping us in your
Previous Events
Visitation
16
Aug
1638 Sycamore View Road
Memphis, TN 38134
Service
16
Aug
1638 Sycamore View Road
Memphis, TN 38134
