Lorna Thomas Morris

Published 10:30 am Thursday, March 20, 2025

Lorna Thomas Morris, a respected and beloved educator who taught mathematics in Beaufort County schools for 30 years, died on March 13, 2025 in Chattanooga, Tennessee following a brief illness.  She was 74 years old.

She was born May 27, 1950 to the late Irene Woolard Thomas and William Mansell Thomas.

Lorna grew up in Bath, N.C. and attended Bath public schools.  After graduation from East Carolina University, she returned home and started teaching mathematics at Bath High School.  She taught at the school for 16 years – leading classes in algebra, geometry, and trigonometry until Bath High was closed in 1989.

The school’s final annual, the “Treasure Chest,” included “special recognition” to her for the “time and patience she has given to the class.”  Students throughout the school, whether in her class or not, knew her for her concerns for their wellbeing.  Her greatest efforts were toward helping students succeed – not just in class but in life.

After Bath High closed, she moved to Beaufort County’s Northside High School, where she was chair of the math department and taught classes in algebra, trigonometry, and geometry.  She also was a pioneer in bringing computer technology to students.  Not only did she provide students with a class in computer math but was key to landing a grant to provide the school’s first dedicated internet access in the mid-1990s.  She also was selected to assist the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction with development of the statewide math curriculum.

The Northside High 1996 yearbook – including several photos – was dedicated to Lorna.  “Here are just a number of things the class of 1996 will never forget: … “Mrs. Morris’ famous ‘cameraphobia’ and her infectious grin when she knew one in her flock had finally ‘gotten it.’”

The dedication to her said she shared “a bond with most students.”  It went on to say Lorna “has overcome frustrations and many headaches to give students the entire world at their fingertips – while still finding time to go that extra mile.”

Her devotion to students extended beyond those who were in her classrooms.  She was known for helping students with challenged homelives or learning troubles – providing help and care beyond the school day.  Her homemade chocolate eclair cakes were of legend – inspiring the Northside High baseball team in 1994 as it was making its way to the state championship.

Following her retirement from teaching in Beaufort County, Lorna moved to Chattanooga, Tennessee to be closer to her daughter.

Lorna taught math at East Ridge High School in Chattanooga from 2004 through 2020 – helping mentor other math teachers as a clinical instructor.  She also taught for a year at the Chattanooga High School Center for Creative Arts.

She married Robert Morris on June 6, 1969 and they had two children – Joy Irene Morris Harvey and Glenwood Ernest Morris.

She became a devoted fan of Duke University’s Blue Devils sports teams following the life-saving care her then infant-daughter received at the university’s medical center.

She leaves behind many loved ones including: husband Robert Morris; daughter Joy Irene Harvey (Mike Harvey), grandchildren Emerald Irene Harvey, Joseph Asher Harvey and Thomas Anker Harvey and step-grandchildren Elijah Matthew Harvey and Mindy Sue Hermens; son Glenwood Ernest Morris (Jen Dodson Morris) and grandchild Lena Ramsey Morris; siblings Bill Thomas (Karen Alligood Thomas), Nancy Thomas (Seth Effron), John Thomas (Ginger Thomas) and Velma Faucette (Ed Faucette) as well as five nieces and a nephew.

A celebration in Bath of Lorna’s life is planned for May 30 in Bath, N.C.  Details will be forthcoming.