Janis Ruth Morris' Obituary
Janis Ruth Morris of Clearwater, FL found eternal peace on January 13, 2023 at age 78 at home with her daughter by her side. Jan is survived by her daughter, Amber; favorite granddaughter, Brianne; and her favorite grandson, Tyler. She was lucky enough to welcome a son-in-law, Kyle into the family and great-grandson, Lucas into the world. Jan also loved Amber’s life partner, Ed who always looked forward to the “comedy hour” storytelling she was famous for. Jan was preceded in death by her brothers, Dale and Gene; her mother, Lillian; her father, Glenn; and enough fur babies to fill a shelter.
Jan was born in Lubbock, TX, but spent most of her childhood in the small town of Shafter, CA where she also raised her daughter. She and her daughter moved to Garland, TX in 1985 where she enjoyed an extensive career as a high-level executive in corporate insurance and became a loyal member of the YaYa’s, traveling the world both for business and fun.
But she genuinely relished every moment of her years as the busiest retired person anyone has ever known in Hideaway, TX. She became a Master Gardner and volunteered at both Hideaway and Tyler Rose Garden. She served at her church, the local theater, and as City Secretary. Jan loved to entertain and was a fabulous cook, often throwing huge dinner parties or hosting park parties with 400 of her closest friends. Her legendary gourmet Mac-n-Cheese Bar was auctioned off every year to raise money for Sunday School at ridiculous amounts per plate, but everyone agreed it was worth every penny. She eventually ended up in Clearwater, FL after her daughter “dragged her across the country” and enjoyed her last few years at Royal Palms Independent Living being her usual life-of-the-party self.
Jan knew no greater joy than time spent laughing and loving her friends and family. “Mimsy” was her grandma moniker and the endearing name many adopted for her. Her loved ones remember the many Mimsy-isms like “It’s not done until it’s over done”, “It’s never Mimsy’s fault” (the line she made sure her grandchildren knew well by age 2), “Most excellent”, “I’m too old to buy unripe bananas”, and “You old hussy” (a classic favorite). She lived out loud with her stylish wardrobe full of color, always with perfectly matching accessories and pops of “bling”.
For those that didn’t know Jan had been ill, you are in good company since that is exactly what she intended. She would much rather hear about you and how she could be of service. In that spirit, the family has asked that instead of a memorial service (you know she deplored them), consider being of service to someone in need. Even just a small act of kindness can make someone else’s day a little better. In lieu of flowers, please donate to your favorite charity or you can donate to Jan’s preferred charity in her name online at Hope Villages of America (hopevillagesofamerica.org).
If none of these ideas appeals to you, crank up the music, raise a glass, and send up a toast to Mimsy, who left this world better than she found it.
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