Perry J. Brown Funeral Home | Greensboro, NC

Obituary For Calvin F. Morrow Sr.

Mr. Calvin Frank Morrow, son of the late William Henry Morrow and Hattie Robertson Morrow, was born on April 12, 1924 in Greensboro, North Carolina. He departed this life on April 11, 2021.

He married Gertrude Nash Morrow on December 24, 1949. To this union were born two children, Calvin Jr. and William Roy.

Calvin received his early and high school education through the Greensboro Public School System. His senior year at Dudley High School was interrupted, when he was recruited by the U.S. Navy in World War II, to serve in the first all minority Navy Band, Unit One (B-1) where he played the French horn. He served a combined three and a half years at the Chapel Hill Pre-Flight School and on the naval base in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. After receiving an Honorable Discharge from the Navy in 1945, Calvin was given special permission by the principal of Dudley High School to attend the regular school program and graduated with the Class of 1946. He earned the Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration, the Master of Science Degree in Elementary Administration, and State Certification in Elementary Administration at North Carolina A&T State University. He did further study at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, and at Duke University.

His teaching career started at Second Ward High School in Charlotte, North Carolina. He later served on the faculty of North Carolina A&T State University, and taught the sixth grade for several years at David Caldwell Elementary School in Greensboro, North Carolina. In 1968, Calvin was selected to be the first principal of the newly constructed Peeler Elementary School. He was subsequently appointed as the principal of several more elementary schools: Murphey, Claxton, Lindley. His last appointment took him back to Peeler Elementary School, from which he retired in July 1986. In his retirement years, Calvin served on the Guilford County Board of Health, Greensboro Public Schools Excellence Fund, Guilford County Public Schools Enrichment Fund, and was a member of Black Child Development Institute, YMCA, Boy Scouts of America, NAACP, Senior Leadership Greensboro, Greensboro College Board of Visitors, and was a Life Member of the National Congress of Parents and Teachers(PTA). His professional memberships include: National Education Association, North Carolina Principals Association, and the Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development. He received a number of awards and honors for his outstanding leadership in education.

Calvin was a member of the Episcopal Church of the Redeemer for over 60 years. He was a dedicated member of the choir and served on the Vestry several times. Other affiliations included Life Membership in the Kappa Lambda Chapter of the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity.

In his later years, he gave interviews and lectures on the historical significance of the U.S. Navy B-1 Band, and accepted acknowledgements on behalf of the Band. This provided him with tremendous joy.

Calvin is survived by his loving and devoted wife, Gertrude, sons Calvin(Claire) and William(Lorraine), grandchildren and great-grandchildren, sisters-in-law Myrtle Bass and Olivia Guest, brother-in-law Walter Nash, and a number of devoted nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

The family plans to have a Memorial Service in the future when the COVID-19 Pandemic ends.

A private graveside service honoring his life will be held on Saturday, April 17, 2021at Guilford Memorial Park.

Services entrusted to Perry J. Brown Funeral Home (336)-272-6109.

Guest Book

My condolences to Calvin and the rest of the Morrow Family. Charlotte Byrd Class of 1969 James Benson Dudley High School.

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To the Morrow family...We we were saddened to hear of the loss of Uncle Calvin... as he was affectionately known to us. Our families had many, many joyous, fun times together over the past years. We give thanks for this good soul that touched the lives of so many! Please accept our sincere condolences and know that we are praying that God will surround you with an abundance of peace and love during this time. With Love, The Fairley's.. Sorors Joyce and Jamila, Edmund and Carlton

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We were deeply saddened to hear of the passing of "Uncle Calvin" as we so affectionately called him. What a remarkable person he was, and what a remarkable life he lived. Our heartfelt thoughts, prayers, and condolences to Aunt Gert, Calvin, Claire, William, and entire family. We love you. Ghotbi-Taheri Family (Stephanie & Persia)

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Mrs. Morrow and family, you are in my thoughts and prayers. I will cherish all the memories of working at Jones School and getting to know Mr. Morrow. Mrs. Gail Darden Williams.

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No words can truly express the honor we felt for the Morrow family as a neighbor and friend. His laughter and smile will always be remembered when we think of him. We pray for him and his family, with blessings for all the years that we had the privilege to know and love him. Rest well, Mr. Morrow. The Reid and Hyder Family

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May your loving memories and God's love and strength provide comfort. Our prayers and love are with you. Love, Motro and Dale Tonkins

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Mr. Morrow's excellence in his service to the Greensboro City School System is unparalleled. I had the privilege to start my teaching career under his leadership and guidance when he served as principal at Claxton Elementary School. He is the quintessential definition of a great leader. His positivity was infectious, his passion inspirational. Yet he was a humble man and never sought the spotlight. Mr. Morrow was great principal who made a difference in this world. Godspeed Mr. Morrow, you will not be forgotten . Trish Ide My sympathy to his family.

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Deepest condolences to family and friends. John E Carlson Jr

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Sending deepest condolences to the entire Morrow Family. Thank you for sharing him with the other descendants of the US WWII B-1 Navy Band. As the last living member he willing stepped in as father and encourager to us all. We will especially miss his perpetual peaceful smile. Sincerely, Marilyn Carlson, Descendant of two members B-1 members (daughter of John E. Carlson; niece of Walter F. Carlson)

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After reading the article in the paper and watching the video of Mr. Morrow, I wanted to express my sympathies to Mrs. Morrow and all of the family. He lived an amazing, fulfilling life that had such an impact on so many people. His experience with the Navy B-1 Band was really unbelievable. My daughter attended Peeler Elementary and I know he had an everlasting legacy there. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Joe Compton

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Sending condolences to the family from 1 of his fellow B-1 Navy band member Huey Lawrence's daughter Crystal L Mayo & family. Keeping the entire family in our prayers

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To Mrs. Morrow and family you will be in my prayers it was wonderful being introduce to Mr.Morrow and knowing wonderful things he has done. Now Mr. Morrow and the band has some music to play they are free. Angela Prioleau

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To Mrs. Morrow and family, as the child of B-1 Band member, James D. Morgan, Jr.,I express my heartfelt sympathy to you. I will always cherish the recent years that I came to know the kindness and encouragement of Mr Morrow.He reminded me of my own father who had similar characteristics.Kind,compassionate, yet a firm and respectful leader.I am grateful and blessed to have been in his presence. My prayers and thoughts are with you as I share your grief. Chapelle Morgan Davis

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Mrs. Morrow, Calvin, William, and Family~~We extend our deepest sympathy and prayers to all of you at this most difficult time. After I graduated from A & T SU (undergraduate), I was employed at Claxton School for two years when Mr. Morrow was the principal there. He was an outstanding leader, and so compassionate and kind to his faculty, staff, and students. I will always remember his kindness and wonderful sense of humor. Many blessings to all of you. Myrtle Barrett Soloman~~ James B. Dudley-1969 Joe Soloman, Sr.~~ James B. Dudley-1968

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My heart goes out to the family

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From our family to yours. In memory of all B-1 band members. They are all together again! May God continue to comfort the Morrow Family in the days and nights to come. The Family of B-1 Bandmate Huey L. "Pip Conee"

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Mr. Morrow was the last living member of the prestigious B-1 U.S. Navy Band. I will always cherish the memories of the great reunions we had with him. His sacrifices have empowered and motivated us in our effors to continue upholding the legacy of B-1. Mr. Morrow was a great support to/for me throughout my career in education. He always encouraged me to give my best in all things. Rest in peace Mr. Morrow. You finished your race. Well done. God bless and keep the Morrow family. Mrs. Morrow, my Soror and first principal, you have my love always. Evetta Lawrence-Davis, Ed.D

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You were a positive loving and firm uncle, mentor,friend. I'm just one of many that you guided along the road of life. I love you big guy for making me a better person. You live in my heart until I see you again. Oscar

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Our staff will continue to keep your family in our prayers. We thank you for allowing us to serve your family.

- Perry J. Brown Funeral Home | Greensboro, NC