Lois Lawson Morris

Lois Lawson Morris, 96, a resident of Russellville, died Sunday, October 16, 2011, at her home. She was born November 27, 1914, at Antoine, Arkansas, to Oscar M. and Dona Ward Lawson, long-time residents of Clark County. She finished high school at Delight and was a graduate of Henderson College of Arkadelphia and the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville. After teaching for five years at Delight and seven years at Russellville High School, she accepted a teaching assignment at the University of Arkansas where she remained for 27 years. Following her retirement in 1982, she painted and wrote articles for historical magazines. In 1972, the Arkansas Teacher's Association presented her with an award for the best college teacher of the year. Later she was included in Marquis biographical publications, Who's Who in American Women, Who's Who in the World and Who's Who in America. Her grandchildren have childhood memories of spending the summers with her on the campus of the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville; traveling; and visiting battlefields, museums, art galleries and many different cities around the country while she continued her education to include four masters degrees. She was a member of the Democratic Party, and was active in all of Bill Clinton's political campaigns. She was a member of All Saints' Episcopal Church and was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, William Doyle Morris; and a daughter, Lavonne Howell. Survivors include a granddaughter, Rebecca Howell, and her husband, Jerry Gosnell, of Russellville; a grandson, Frank Howell of Florida; a son-in-law, Charles F. Howell of Hot Springs Village and three great-grandchildren, Charles Andrew Howell, Amy Katherine Howell and John Bloomquist Howell, all of Little Rock. There will be a private graveside service at Rest Haven Memorial Park under the direction of Shinn Funeral Service. The family will receive friends from 2 to 3 p.m. on Wednesday, October 19, 2011, at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to the church of your choice or to the Washington County Historical Society, 118 East Dickson Street, Fayetteville, Arkansas 72701. The online obituary and guestbook are available at www.shinnfuneral.com.