Norma Morrison

Nan (Kennedy) Morrison was born October 3, 1934, in Checotah, Oklahoma.  Nan was the oldest daughter of Ernest Verdale Kennedy and Norma Lee (Camp) Kennedy.  Nan accepted Christ as her Savior when she was nine years old and tried to serve him all of her life.  She attended Checotah schools graduating in 1952.  She attended Connors State College and Oklahoma Baptist University graduating with a B.S. degree in education with the class of 1955.  Completed her Masters of Education degree from Northeastern State University in 1960 and her School Administrators Certificate from Tulsa University.  Nan began her teaching career in Fairfax and moved to Bartlesville to teach first grade at Jane Phillips in 1956.  She was the first, First Grade Teacher at Wilson School when it opened the doors in 1957.  She later taught second grade at Wilson School and became the Principal in 1975 serving until 1984.

Nan was a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution, her Mother having traced her lineage back to Pre-Revolutionary days.  She was also a member of First Families of the Twin Territories of Oklahoma.  Her Father was born in Indian Territory before Oklahoma became a state and her grandparents on her mother’s side were residents of Indian Territory as well.   A member of Delta Kappa Gamma teacher’s society.

Nan and Frank E. Morrison were married in Checotah, Oklahoma June 10, 1961 and made their first home in Bartlesville where Mr. Morrison and his Father were in the Hardware business, and were the owners of the first Ace Hardware #676 in Oklahoma.  Following 29 years in Education Mrs. Morrison joined Frank at Ace Hardware.  The Morrison’s operated the Hardware until 1997, surviving the flood of ’86.  Nan and Frank were active members of first Baptist Church and served in a multitude of positions.  After closing the Hardware store they devoted themselves to the operation of rental property, remodeling homes, caring for family members and volunteering at the Price Tower.  At the Price Tower Nan had people from 24 foreign countries on her tours and met scores of interesting people that enriched her life.  As a child she wanted to write a book.  She succeeded in her later years writing a book about a little girl who lived in a teepee before statehood and won the grand prize in the creative writing contest  at the library.  Frank bought Nan a very good camera for a birthday gift and she won many blue ribbons at the county fair with her pictures.

Nan was happiest serving children and encouraging friends to pray for missionaries.  One of her greatest blessings was for an adult to say, “You were my teacher.”  Being introduced by a former student to the class she was teaching as the reason she became a teacher was her highest honor.

Faith, family, children and service were her passion.  A host of Prayer Partners and an extended family of former students and their parents hold a special place in her heart.

Nan is survived by her son Alan; Nieces: Jan Drake, Jill Christie, Judy Brown & Jill Pletcher; and extended family, Marjorie Powell, Gigi & Delton Bush, Henry Ross, Caroline Ross, David, Whitney, Franklin & Margaret Pitzer. She was preceded in death by her parents, her sister, Loyce Humphrey and her husband, Frank.

DONATION: Following the flood of 1986, the Morrison Family received donations from First Baptist Church members to assist with their devastating loss at Ace Hardware.  As soon as they were on the way to recovery, Frank & Nan wanted to establish a fund that would assist FBC members who have similarly suffered catastrophic or disabling events in their lives.  This fund has helped many people over the years and still exists today to help those in need.  Nan and family request memorial donations be made to this fund:  Baptist Foundation of Oklahoma, Account 13689, 3800 N May Ave., Oklahoma City, OK 73127

Memorial service will be at First Baptist Church, Bartlesville, OK on Tuesday, January 10, 2023, at 2 PM. Arrangements have been entrusted to Arnold Moore & Neekamp Funeral Home & Cremation Service.  To send a condolence, visit www.honoringmemoriesbartlesville.com.