Rosa Lee Morris’ family came together and hosted a parade for her 100th birthday celebration on December 18th, 2021. In honor of Morris’s birthday, there was a drive-by parade at 2:00 p.m., followed by a program with remarks from many families. Morris was made to feel special by having many members of the community take part such as Mayor Julia Nelson, Senator Kevin Johnson, the Manning Fire Department, and the Manning Police Department.
This parade was organized by Katherine Reardon and DeShawn Blanding, Morris’ great grandchildren, with the help of many other family members.
The family of Morris really wanted to honor her on her birthday and make her feel special and loved. Following the parade, there was a short program that began with a song from her church, Mt. Zero Baptist Church, to which she was very dedicated too, followed by remarks from Senator Kevin Johnson, Mayor Julia Nelson, and family members. Morris has stayed in Summerton at Lake Marion Health and Rehab for the past ten years. Many family members visit her weekly and regularly. Morris has fourteen children and over one hundred grandchildren and great grandchildren. DeShawn Blanding is one of the many great grandchildren of Morris. He expressed that her favorite hobbies were to spend time with her family, sing, worship, tell many stories and attend church. Some major accomplishments of Morris’s are her family. She truly loves her family and is extremely proud of them.
“Her biggest legacy is the family that she produced,” said Blanding.
Morris is from Clarendon county and spent most of her life here. Most of her life was spent working in domestic and agriculture work. She grew up as a sharecropper and continued to be one as an adult, but she eventually moved into the domestic field of child care. Morris’ father, Vincent Servance, was a pastor with his own church. Morris was raised to be a member of a church and to have a strong faith. This is where she discovered her love of singing and her faith. Morris taught her great grandchildren many things that they will cherish and use with them for the rest of their lives. She truly enjoys her family and loves spending time with them.
This parade was a success, and it demonstrated how much Morris’ family loves and appreciates her.
“We really just wanted to express our love to her,” said Blanding.
