Remembering a Beautiful Legacy of Love

On the 11th of September 1937, in Rockwall, TX, Morris Lee Brannon
(Marcie Lee) was born to Morris and Erma Lee Brannon.  On Wednesday,
May 22nd, 2024, her earthly journey ended when the Lord Jesus Christ
called her home.

From an early age, Morris found solace and strength in her faith. She
accepted Jesus Christ into her heart and was baptized at New Caledonia
Baptist Church (Rockwall, TX), a significant milestone in her
spiritual journey. At the age of eight, her God-given gift would be
revealed as she began to play the piano by ear. Throughout her entire
life, Morris faithfully continued to use her gift in and for various
ministries.

She attended Rockwall Public Schools and graduated as class
Valedictorian. Full of knowledge and enthusiasm, she attended Bishop
College (Dallas, TX). As she progressed into adulthood, her class and
enthusiasm for fashion was a driving force that led her to embark on a
career in the retail sales industry. Her dedication and hard work paid
off quickly, as she was promoted to Retail Management for stores like
Direct Factory Outlet, Suzanne's and Margos. Morris was well respected
and revered as a top leader in her profession for over 20 years.
Later, she found more ways to help and support her community through
her role as an Intake Coordinator for Dallas County MHMR.

Remaining steadfast in the Christian principles and values instilled
in her by her parents, Morris was committed in service to God and
serving others. She answered her calling and was ordained as an
Evangelist. Committed and dedicated to her calling, she began her
ministry service playing the piano and directing the choir for New
Caledonia and Greater Rock of Ages, St. Stephens Community (formerly
Red Sea), Greater Zion, Celestial Haven, and New Testament Baptist
Church- all in Dallas, TX. She served as Mission Chorus and Youth
Choir Musician and was President of the Pastoral Care and Anniversary
Committees. She taught bible study to youth and adults, as well as
orchestrated women's mission and other church programs. She later
served alongside the late Bro. Joe Bagby, Gospel Radio Host of radio
station KHVN (Heaven 97) and with the late Rick Leday on KNON 89.3's
"Praise with a Purpose" every Sunday morning. Evangelist Ross was also
often referred to as "Mother Ross," and she was loved by all who
listened and knew her in radio land, the community and throughout
Dallas County.

Her husband, James Mens Ross, preceded her in death in 1977. Her
parents, infant twin sister, Erma Lee Brannon (at birth), one son,
Darrell, Grandson, DeVaughn Wright, and other siblings Kathryn, Obie, Louis Howard (L.H.),
Maxine, and Marie, all preceded her in death.

Morris's legacy is one of wisdom, kindness and love, which she shared
generously with her family and everyone she met. She will be forever
remembered, honored and cherished by her children: Marcus DeValentino
(Wanda), Ewa Beach, HI; Rosalyn Toliver, Dallas, TX; Randolph Brannon,
Tyler, TX, Minister Vaughn Wright (La'Rene), Lancaster, CA, Minister
Andre Wright (RaKeesha), Mesquite, TX,  Cassandra Wright, Desoto, TX,
Dr. Karen Wright, Cedar Hill, TX, Minister Hilton Wright, Dallas, TX,
and Sharon Lary. Frisco, TX. Her love extended to her grandchildren:
Brandon, Brianna, LaKeisha, Tysha, Victor, Montrell, LaFayiah
(Quinlan), William, Eric (Marisa), Erica, Shaniqua, Hilton Jr.,
Travis, Chase, Andre Jr. and her 17 Great-Grandchildren, a host of
nieces and nephews and her siblings; Itasca Jean Smith, James Brannon,
Elder Marilyn Rose Heard, and Marvin Ray Brannon.