Carlene Morrison, 72

A memorial photo display and registry celebrating the life of Virginia Carlene Hooper Morrison, 72, of Gainesville, will be available through today, Wednesday, July 3. Mrs. Morrison died June 26, 2019, at her home after an 18-month battle with brain cancer.

She was born May 5, 1947, in Carthage, the daughter of Delwin and Nova Hooper. She grew up and attended school in Paris, Arkansas, and graduated from Henderson State University in Arkadelphia, Arkansas. After college, she moved to Gainesville to teach home economics at Gainesville High School. Later, she continued her commitment to education by becoming one of the first two women elected to the Gainesville school board.

While living in Ozark County, she met the love of her life, Stan Morrison. They were married on Oct. 17, 1970. 

Mrs. Morrison was a strong, generous, independent, Christian woman who dedicated her life to education, her faith and her family. She loved working in her flower beds, traveling with friends, visiting Silver Dollar City and attending any activities involving her grandchildren. She was a member of the First Christian Church of Gainesville.

She is survived by her son Marty Morrison and wife Heather of Gainesville; her daughter, Marla Messenger and husband Tony of Wildwood; and five grandchildren, Blakely, Kannon and Cutter Morrison, and Kyler and Bethany Messenger. 

She was preceded in death by her husband, Stan Morrison; her parents, Delwin and Nova Hooper; and her brother, Bruce Hooper.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Stan and Carlene Morrison Memorial account at Century Bank of the Ozarks, P.O. Box 68, Gainesville, MO 65655. A private family graveside service will take place later at Smith Chapel Cemetery.

Arrangements by Clinkingbeard Funeral Home, Gainesville.

Ozark County Times

504 Third Steet
PO Box 188
Gainesville, MO 65655

Phone: (417) 679-4641
Fax: (417) 679-3423