Doris V. Morgan

                                                                                Obituary for a Beloved Mother and Grandmother

When God made Doris, He clearly poured in a double measure of strength, joy, and devotion, then sent her into the world determined to brighten it.

A loving mother of 4 born in the Princess Anne County section of Virginia Beach to the late Deacon George Haynes Sr.  and Deaconess Emily Jackson Haynes.  She was the third of nine children, three brothers and five sisters, who all proceeded her in death.

From her earliest years, she was rooted in faith, joining First Lynnhaven Baptist Church as a child and immediately weaving herself into its life. She served tirelessly in ministries including the Hospitality Committee, Sunday School, Saints Under Grace (SUG), and Women’s Fellowship. If the doors of the church were open, she was there; if a revival meal was being served, she made sure her family had take-home plates too.

Her voice was a ministry all its own. Doris sang with both the Gospel Choir and the Senior Choir, and her smooth, melodious sound lifted spirits and stirred hearts. She loved leading songs such as “They Got the Word,” “May the Work I’ve Done Speak for Me,” and “This Morning When I Rose.” Anyone who heard her knew she sang with faith, not just talent.

Living with Purpose

Doris lived her life with purpose and service far beyond the church walls. In 1952, she, her sister Margie Bell, and other community women organized and established the Junior Women and Civic Club of Princess Anne County. Their annual Debutante Ball became a cherished tradition, presenting young women to society and strengthening the bonds of community.  

She attended Princess Anne County training school Union Kempsville high school and also studied at Norfolk State College (University). She completed her nursing training at Crestwood in Chesapeake and served as a private nurse for a little over 30 years breaking racial barriers and leading the way for other black nurses to get fair wages. 

Simple Joys, Big Heart

She was an avid walker who thought nothing of walking from Seatack to the Oceanfront, and sometimes further, all the way to her mother’s home in Hilltop. She loved flowers and could coax life out of any plant. She adored her Sunday hats and her beautiful, colorful jewelry that matched her joyful spirit.

But more than anything, she loved her family. Friday gatherings were her weekly joy: food, laughter, stories, and the comfort of all her people together. She was a gifted storyteller who shared vivid memories of growing up in Great Neck with her siblings, often ending her tales with her bright jovial laugh.

With lasting memories, she leaves to cherish her son, Alfonzo Morgan. Daughters, Treasa Smith, Cynthia Morgan and Deborah Godfrey (Josephus Godfrey, Jr.), Six grandchildren: Chrisaundra Smith, Avery Smith, Stephen King, Josephus Godfrey, III., Jonathan Godfrey, and Joshua Godfrey. One great granddaughter, Story Godfrey.