Obituary

Iris Eleanor Cole Morris

January 21, 1924 - May 4, 2025

Iris Eleanor Cole Morris passed away at her home in Bogalusa, Louisiana on May 4, 2025, at the age of 101. Born on 1/21/1924 in London, England, Iris spent her early years surrounded by the rich tapestry of British culture. She attended an “All Girls” school and played violin at an early age. At age 17, Iris was drafted into World War II by the British. She chose the National Fire Service. Her words were “Everybody had to do something to keep London from burning down.”

Iris met ‘her man in uniform’ in 1944 which was Lee Morris, an American serviceman, and moved to the United States in 1948 earning the title “War Bride”. Iris began her life in America in Franklinton, Louisiana, then moved to Bogalusa, Louisiana where she lived the rest of her life. The love of her home in London remained always in her heart.

Two years after crossing the ‘pond’, she gave birth to her only child, Clifford.

Iris had a passion for giving and loved being around people. Iris volunteered at the local hospital for 40 years as a ‘Pink Lady”. She wore her pink jacket with pride, and until her death, her friends came by to visit or called her. In addition to volunteering at the hospital, she volunteered for over 40 years to the American Legion Post 24. Oh, how she loved helping and attending Bingo Night, dinners, and parties at the American Legion.

Another passion for Iris was the church where she was a member of St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church in Bogalusa. She loved her church and was an active member for many years. The Episcopal Church was the closest to the Church of England where she was brought up as a child.

Iris loved hosting parties in her home with her English and one German friend. They would join her to remember the “old” English singing and dancing to songs such as ‘Knees Up Mother Brown”. She had the privilege of being joined in Bogalusa by fellow War Brides and esteemed friends Nesta Seals, Pauline Lott, Joan Knight, Irene Allen, Lynn Ingram, and Irmgard Borde. When they could, Iris’ mother, Daisy, her sisters, Cynthia and Ivy, and her brother, Maurice would join in.

In later years, Iris and Lee enjoyed traveling creating many memories and having lots of fun. Travels included many places in the USA often to visit their children’s family, Cliff and Linda, and grandkids, Derek and Dusty.  They also traveled to Canada to visit friends including a special friend Becky Randle.  One year, Linda and Iris rode an Amtrak train to visit Becky. Her trips also included returning to London, England three times.

Iris is survived by her devoted son, Clifford (Linda), two grandsons, Derek (Baxter) and Dusty Morris. Iris was so proud of her grandsons, both musicians who would visit Iris and play music and sing for her.  Iris is also survived by her sister, Cynthia Smith, her sister-in-law, Mayvon S. Cole, four nephews, Glenn Cole, John Cole, Colin Spencer, and Lawrence Spencer, four nieces Debra McConnell, Maureen Magee, Sandra Knight, and Phyllis Cotton.

She was proceeded in death by her husband of 57 years, Lee Roy Morris, parents William John and Daisy Norah Cole, sister Ivy (Cary) Spencer, her brothers-in-law Talmadge Morris, Emmett Morris, Tillmon Smith, her father and mother-in-law Ollie and Bertha Morris.

The Morris family would like to extend special thanks to Southwest Home Health and Enhabit Hospice Groups.  The care provided to Iris and the Morris family is truly appreciated and will be remembered always.

Memorial Services will be held at a later date at the St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church in Bogalusa, Louisiana.