Ressie Mabel Morrison

Few words can describe this incredible woman that touched so many lives. Her experience and knowledge stretched beyond the imagination. Anyone doubting that, could simply challenge her to a game of Jeopardy and be silenced by her incredible presence.
The gift she brought to this world was an innate ability to see any child with any type of disability, recognize the exact struggle, and know precisely how to teach that child to achieve their highest possible goals in education. This was her passion and her legacy that was witnessed by many. The lives that she touched are impossible to count. She had many that she cherished beyond doubt and spoke of often. She would not allow any situation to be overlooked nor would she permit anyone to tell her she could not help a child in need. She would fight with logic and law until she was inevitably given the opportunity to teach that child, and she never gave up on them.
Every single thing she touched, grew beyond belief. This talent was spread from the people she graced with her presence, to every plant that ever had the privilege to exist within her reach.
Her strength, love and determination showed in each of her 6 children, 11 grandchildren, 20 great-grandchildren, and will continue to be passed on to her great-great-grandchildren, and generations to come. She was the matriarch of her family and no one questioned that fact. The only rules that existed within her presence, were those in which she created herself. Every one of her family members was loved by her, and not one of her relationships was like another. Ressie had a special way of loving everyone individually. Each one special in its own unique ways.
She had a mind that was sharp and not affected by her age. She proved that until the day we lost her. her body simply could not keep up with her mind. After 95 years on this planet, the hearts of all that loved her will ache anytime her memory is present. However, those memories shall bring warmth, as they are shared for generations to come. After all, legends never truly die, they stay alive within all of us. Each time a story is shared, or she is brought up in conversation, she once again influences us to be better people. She inspires us to be more like her and bring light into this world, as she did for us.
Ressie's life began as she was raised in Wetumka, Oklahoma. This astonishing woman, graduated high school at only 16 years old. Her ability to remember what she had learned, would inevitably touch more lives than anyone could have believed.
She moved to Portales, New Mexico to attend the University after high school. This is where she married Clifford Roy Morrison. Together, they moved from Portales, New Mexico, to Roswell, New Mexico, and finally to Ruidoso, New Mexico.
Clifford passed away on the 6th of April, 1960. They were currently residing in Ruidoso, New Mexico. After he passed away, she moved back to Clovis, New Mexico where she, alone, raised her 6 children. During this time, she attended Eastern New Mexico University alongside her children. Here, she received her bachelor's in Education and she also completed a Masters in Special Education. This gave her the opportunity to begin teaching at Our Lady of Guadalupe, in Clovis, New Mexico.
A new chapter began when she moved to Bula, Texas and the Three-Way, Texas furthering her career in Special Education. At last, she moved back to Clovis, New Mexico in 1980. This is where she started teaching special education at Sandia Elementary until retirement at the age of 75. She continued her passion of teaching kids, even after retirement, by tutoring them within her own home.
Her dedicated work and vast knowledge of different types of plants kept her entertained in her gorgeous and fruitful gardens. When she was not tending to those, she still found ways to teach and expand education without pay, as she enjoyed teaching her very own grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
She is already missed more than words could ever explain. Her impact on all of us was undoubtedly a blessing, beyond measure. We are all so fortunate to have lived in her presence for as long as we all have.
Rest in Peace and eternal comfort, Ressie. You will be remembered and missed every single day.
There will be no services for now. A celebration of life gathering will be held later in the summer.