Alma Jean Morris

Alma Jean Phillps was born on January 3, 1943, in Oberlin, Ohio. She was the oldest of two children born to Ira and Emma Jean Phillips. Her brother, Donald, was born 2 years later.

January 3rd, 1943 was a cold, wet day in Oberlin, with highs around 34 degrees, and lows about 27 degrees. At the time, Oberlin’s population was about 4,300 people. Oberlin is a college town in NE Ohio. It was founded in 1833 and is known as the home of Oberlin College that was also founded in 1833.

Alma attended community schools. She graduated from Cloverleaf High School in nearby Lodi in 1961. Cloverleaf High School had just opened in 1960. Alma took pride in the fact that she was a member of the first graduating class from that school.

Sometime after high school, Alma went to beauty school.

Alma married John Arthur Rodgers in 1961, and they had 3 children, John, Joyce, and Marianne. The children were active in 4H clubs. Alma was also a Sunday School teacher for many years.

John and Alma later divorced, and Alma moved to California to be with her mother and stepfather. The children remained in Ohio with their dad. She was hired by JC Penny in the drapery/upholstery department where she met Lee. Lee and Alma were married in 1985.

Alma had to look for another job as company policy prohibited married couples from both working at JC Penny. Alma worked for Cal Fed Credit Union and Safe Credit Union. Her personal achievements and job satisfaction came from assisting customers get out of dept and reestablish credit. She held several positions at the credit unions before she retired.

Lee used to say of Alma, “we’ve never argued” and Alma always said, “there wasn’t a day that went by that he didn’t make me laugh.”

Uncle Lee introduced Alma to our family at a picnic in the mid-1980’s. She and Uncle Lee would visit our mother before her passing and we got to know Alma better.

In early 2000, I was walking through some things in my life, and they were truly there for me. Not only as family, but as a loving Mom and Dad would. At that time, we created a lasting connection and bond for which I’m forever grateful. They were my angels on earth.

Over the last 26 years we have had so much FUN and an abundance of Love! I am grateful. I have had the Honor of celebrating each of her birthdays and every Mother’s Day. One of her highlights was when Bill, her son, became an ordained Minister. Neither Mom nor Day drove long distances, so they asked my wife Gina and I to take them to San Jose. We made a weekend road trip out of it; we went to the Winchester house. So much FUN! After mom retired from Safe credit union and Cal Fed credit union, she became a big sport’s fan of football and the Woman’s Monarch and King’s basketball. Gina and I would take her to Monarch’s game and cheer them on.

About 11 years ago, Mom got breast cancer. Gina, and I would take her to all her appointments. She walked through that with incredible strength, as her hair began falling out, she had crocheted a hat for herself. One of Mom’s talents was knitting and crocheting She was inspired to begin making hats for the other women going thru chemo treatments. She also made hats for newborn infants. I would drop off bags full of hats at the hospital as a gift from Mom. Mom has made each of her children/grandchildren a priceless Christmas stocking. This along with her miniature Santa clothes, I hold as treasured keepsakes. After Dad’s passing Mom’s memory declined and she could no longer drive. My sister and I began caring for her 24/7 at that point.

I had the honor of taking her to all of her doctors’ appointments and we grew even closer. She would always want me by her side for everything. I know more about her health than mine. It was so important to Mom to live at home as long as possible. Thank you to Bridgette and Becky for being there for our mom during this time. It has taken a village to care for Mom and give her the best of everything. Mom, you will truly be missed. WE love you.

Mom, where do I start? When you and dad got married, I am sure Dad said, "I come with 2 nieces that are like my daughters.” You were like the mom that I didn’t have. Michele and I got to go on a Mexico cruise. One of my memories is Michele, you and I went to the gym which is on the bow of the boat. I realized we were in rough water, and I was getting motion sickness, I told you “let’s go.” You said, “I’m fine.” Needless to say, you weren’t fine and spent the whole day by the toilet. What a memorable cruise with all our day trips exploring Mexico. The photo with the iguana was priceless.

Over the years our relationship has deepened. Your humor always had me laughing. I would ask you how you are and you would always say SSDD - Same Shit Different Day! I remember when you and dad went to grocery stores and the clerk would ask if you needed a bag. Dad always would say no, I brought her with me! The love you two shared was God given. You and dad enjoyed retirement with many cruises.

You were the lover of all animals. Buffy, Twinkle, and Tinker are just a few. Oh, I remember all the feral cats you took care of for years. How you loved taking care of them. This brought you happiness.

The day Dad passed your world changed. That’s when our relationship deepened. Michele and I became your full-time caretakers. I took over your finances and Michele took over your health care. We knew that you shouldn’t live alone, and I asked Bill, your son, to live with you. He immediately said yes. He closed a chapter of his life as a minister and moved in with you. He was an amazing cook. Unfortunately, he died 2 years later of kidney failure.

Michele and I knew you refused to go to a nursing home. At that time Brigget provided care, cleaned and cooked 3-4 days a week. We knew it wasn’t safe for you to stay alone at night That’s when Becky came into your life. She took amazing care of you. I did all the grocery shopping online. Michele took you to every appointment. Your dementia progressed but you always recognized Michele and me.

I visited you and you were convinced that I took all your clothes home to launder. It was hard convincing you otherwise. After dad passed your heart’s desires were to be with Lee. Your love for him was so evident. You would look at his picture all the time and talk about the sparkle in his eyes. We would visit the cemetery often; all you talked about was being with him. I always told you, In GODS TIME.

When you broke your hip, and you refused to walk, eat, drink water, and participate in physical therapy, I knew you were telling us you were ready. One of my last visits you told me “I know you go to church, pray, and talk to God. She said please talk to God, he is not listening to me. “My last visit I prayed, put a candle and cross by your bedside. We listened to a special sound bath that was created for you. I had some holy water and I baptized you. I knew in my heart it was my final goodbye.

Thank you for loving me as though I was your daughter. You healed wounds from my childhood. Thank you.

A Psalm of David.

23 The LORD is my shepherd;

I shall not [a]want.

2 He makes me to lie down in [b]green pastures;

He leads me beside the [c]still waters.

3 He restores my soul;

He leads me in the paths of righteousness

For His name’s sake.

4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,

I will fear no evil;

For You are with me;

Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.

5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies;

You anoint my head with oil;

My cup runs over.

6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me

All the days of my life;

And I will [d]dwell in the house of the LORD

Forever.