Lee Henry Morris Sr.

Obituary For Lee Henry Morris Sr.

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Lee Henry Morris Sr., a native of Mound Bayou, Mississippi, who transitioned peacefully into eternity before the breaking of dawn on April 20, 2025. Lee, the beloved son of Willie “Bill” Morris and Orene Draper-Morris, was born on February 16, 1952. During his childhood, the family relocated to Youngstown, Ohio, where he was raised and began to build the foundation of a life marked by strength, resilience, and love.

A man with a heart as vast as the Mississippi sky, Lee embodied kindness, loyalty, and quiet strength. He was a devoted alumnus of South High School’s Class of 1970 and proudly carried the spirit of his alma mater throughout his life. A diehard Cleveland Browns fan, Lee stood by his team through every season—win or lose. After graduating, he began his career at the Youngstown Steel Mill, working as a skilled crane operator until its closure. Answering a greater call, Lee then served honorably as a medic in the United States Army from 1982 to 1989. Upon returning to Youngstown, he built a life rich with laughter, love, and unwavering care for his family and community. Precious memories and moments are fondly retained by Rita Riddle, his companion & mate.

Lee was a true family man in every sense of the word. During his marriage to the late Susan Delores (Davis) Morris, together they raised and nurtured their daughter, Maisha (Joseph) Jones- Wyche, and their sons, Marcus Morris and Lee Henry Morris Jr. Lee took immense pride in his role as a grandfather to his cherished grandchildren: Clarence, Kayla, Omar, Akili, Markea, Alaia, Precious, Malai, Tynequia, Tabari, Marcus, Tylee, and Kelly. His legacy continues to grow through the lives of his nine great-grandchildren, each a testament to the love and values he instilled across generations.

As Lee crossed the celestial sands of eternity, he was reunited with his parents, his beloved wife Susan, his brother James Willie Draper, his cherished grandson Aundra Jones, and his dear little cousin Amerah “MeMe” Green—all of whom preceded him in death. He also leaves behind a living treasure in his 101-year-old Great Aunt, Ms. Allie Mae Ross, who has loved him since the day he was born.

In the tapestry of our lives, Lee Henry Morris Sr. was a vibrant thread—bold, colorful, and irreplaceable. As we mourn and celebrate his life, let us remember him not just in sorrow but in laughter, in strength, and by replicating the kindness he so freely gave. Let us embrace the lessons of love, honor, and laughter he so gracefully imparted during his time with us. His spirit will forever be interwoven into the fabric of our lives, as we carry forward his legacy of kindness and warmth.

As we gather to honor Lee's vibrant life, the family invites the community to celebrate the man who, in every encounter, radiated love. A public viewing will be held on Saturday, May 3, 2025, at the Jaylex Event Center, 2110 Glenwood Ave, at 9:00 AM. The Celebration of Life Services, replete with military honors, will begin at 10:00 AM with Rev. Lewis W. Macklin as the celebrant.

After a committal ceremony, Lee will be lovingly laid to rest among the ancestors at Tod Homestead Cemetery. In remembering Lee Henry Morris Sr., let us embrace the lessons of love, honor, and laughter he so gracefully imparted during his time with us. His spirit will forever be interwoven into the fabric of our lives, as we carry forward his legacy of kindness and warmth.

At this time of intimate need and personal loss, the family of Lee Henry Morris Sr. elected to entrust the Ministry of Comfort & Care, along with Transitional After-Care Arrangements to the J. E. Washington Funeral Services, 2234 Glenwood Avenue, Youngstown, Ohio, 330.782.8500.