Josanna Baynes Morris

Josanna Baynes Morris, age 95, of Ellettsville passed away on Tuesday, December 15, 2015 after a brief stay at the IU Health Hospice House in Bloomington. Josanna was born on September 7, 1920 in Washington County, IN to the late Joseph Powell Baynes and Anna (Ponsford) Baynes. Her family moved to Monroe County when she was 5 years of age. Throughout her life, Josanna was a hard-working farm daughter and gifted wife, mother, office worker, club leader, grandmother and great-grandmother. She was an active, loyal, caring, gentle, gracious, and humble woman who will be greatly missed by those who cherished her sweet spirit. While her husband Melvin was in the Navy, Josanna lived with him in Norfolk, VA. Other than this precious time away, she made her home in Indiana. Early in their marriage, Josanna worked in the Indiana University Architect’s Office during a busy building time after WWII. After her three children were in school, Josanna returned to office work for many years, retiring from Monroe County Community Schools where she was a secretary at Binford Junior High School and later at Bloomington North High School. She loved being around educators and children. Josanna was a member of Maple Grove Christian Church, and a prior member of North Central Church of Christ. She attended church faithfully from when she was a young child until she was in her 90’s. She would share stories of how she rode to church on a horse-drawn wagon through the snowy hills of rural Monroe County. Even in her senior years, she faithfully attended the Senior Seekers Bible study for many years and looked forward to this weekly time. She understood the importance of Christian education for all ages, she supported efforts to work with children, and she enjoyed the unity in her church family. She also enjoyed serving others in need. Josanna was an expert seamstress and she mastered the complex art of machine knitting. She greatly enjoyed the many activities and serving as Treasurer for several home demonstration clubs and sewing guilds. She led the Highland Lassies 4-H Club for several years while her daughter and nieces were members. She was a long-time member of several Monroe County Extension groups and was active in the Vernal Belles, Thrifty Homemakers and Twin Lake Co-Workers. She was always willing to share her talents and knowledge with friends and family members whenever asked. Josanna also loved flower gardening at home and hosting family gatherings. Most of all, Josanna cherished her family and loved staying close with all generations. Josanna was preceded in death by her husband of 54 years, C. Melvin Morris; four brothers, Powell Baynes, Emmett Baynes, Everett Baynes and Samuel T. Baynes and two sisters, Martha Acuff and Madaline Baynes. Josanna is survived by her sister, Ruth (Paul) Schurtter of Blomington, IN; daughter Sharon (Fred) Robbins of Plano, TX; sons, Richard (Sherry) Morris of Ellettsville and Ronnie (Gayle) Morris of Bloomington; grandchildren, Matt (Tessa) Morris, Dan (Allie) Morris, and Karey (Mike) Dammer, all in Monroe County. She is also survived by ten well-loved great-grandchildren and numerous special nieces and nephews, and extended family who have given her much joy. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, December 19, 2015 at Chandler Funeral Home in Ellettsville at 1:00 p.m. with Dr. Richard Amerine officiating. Burial is to be at Valhalla Memory Gardens. Friends may call upon the family at the funeral home on Friday, December 18, 2015 from 5:00 to 8:00 and again one hour prior to the funeral. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Maple Grove Church Children’s Program, 1503 W. Simpson Chapel Rd. Bloomington, IN 47404

Josanna Baynes Morris

September 7, 1920 - December 15, 2015