On Wednesday, Nov. 16, 1940, Wendell Thompson Morning was born to William Thomas (Tom) Morning and the late Sarah Williams Morning in Blounts Creek, amongst a family of five siblings, three boys and two girls.

Wendell moved to New York when he graduated from S.W. Snowden High School. He then attended culinary school and once finished, he gained employment at the Rocking State Hospital in Orangeburg, N.Y., until he retired in 2003.

Wendell then worked part time at the local college in Orangeburg until his health began to fail.

Wendell attended Ware Creek Missionary Baptist Church in Blounts Creek until he moved to New York, where he joined Bethany Baptist Church in New York City.  He was a faithful member for over 30 years.

After making a lasting impression on many lives, Wendell slipped away peacefully into the arms of Jesus. He is survived by his spouse, Evelyn Commander Morning, currently residing in New York; his daughter, Elvire Morning (Juan) Oliver of Woodbridge, Va.; his father, William Thomas Morning of Washington; two sisters, Marilyn Morning of Philadelphia, Pa., and Dora Daily of Raleigh; two brothers, Norman Morning (Barbara) of Brooklyn, N.Y., and Melvin Morning (Patricia) of Ozone Park, N.Y.; four grandchildren, Marquis Morning, Tayuana Oliver, Juan Oliver Jr., and Jasmine Oliver; his mother-in-law, Bettie Commander of Elizabeth City: an uncle, William Goldie Smith of Blounts Creek; and aunt, Elsie Hill of New York; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

The family will receive friends at the home of minister Debra Cogdell and Dr. Douglas Cogdell, 4261 U.S. Highway 264 West, Washington. The body will be taken to the church one hour prior to the service.

Arrangements by Whitfield & Whitley Funeral Home.