Mrs. Darris Parker Morris

Darris Parker Morris, 92, of Tallahassee, Florida, passed away on Saturday morning, September 3, 2022, at her residence with her loving family at her side. One of seven siblings, she was born in Paxton, Florida, on June 26, 1930, to John F. Parker and Stella Turner Parker, of blessed memory. She is also preceded in death by her husband, Robert D. Morris; and siblings, Glenn Parker (Erna), Edna Richter (Helmut), Franklin Parker (Betty), Roy Parker (Carol), and Loretta “Idell” Parsells (Robert). Survivors include her daughter, Stella Jeanne Morris (Susan H. Shapiro, Ph.D.); grandson, Zachary Hoelzle; brother, Windell Parker (Rita); as well as a number of nieces and nephews. She and her late husband owned and operated numerous Tallahassee establishments including The Red Garter, The Red Carpet Steakhouse, Thompson’s Hamburgers, and Faiver’s Seafood Restaurants (Panacea, Tallahassee, Valdosta, and New Port Richie). She also worked and retired from the Florida Department of Corrections as an Executive Secretary. A dedicated wife and mother, she relished spending time with family; especially when celebrating holiday traditions. She had a penchant for artful Christmas decorating and even won a neighborhood award for it. She treasured family reunions, cookouts and camping. Those who experienced a meal prepared by her instantly recognized her as an excellent cook. She often prepared them with fresh vegetables from her backyard garden. Stella routinely remarked that she never had vegetables from the supermarket because her mother’s gardens were so abundant. An avid reader she spent summers at Grayton Beach in Walton County reading her favorite authors, Zane Grey, Louis L’ Amour and Nora Roberts. She was a dedicated Christian and enjoyed weekly Bible study at Thomasville Road Baptist Church. She engaged in charitable fundraisers while serving as a member of local philanthropic organizations including Lioness Auxiliary Club, Eastern Star, Elks Club and Tallahassee Garden Club. The graveside service will be held 10:00 AM on Thursday, September 8, 2022, at Tallahassee Memory Gardens in the Garden of the Christus. In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate memorial donations to Alzheimer’s Foundation of America at https://alzfdn.org/. Online condolences may be expressed at www.abbeyfh.com.

Mrs. Darris Parker Morris

June 26, 1930 - September 3, 2022