Gena Morrison had a beginning date of March 22, 1932, and an earthly ending date of September 7, 2021. And the 89 year dash in between made a lasting impact on the lives of so many children, young people and adults. Gena grew up in Houston and was raised by her grandparents. For 20 years, Gena was the receptionist at Rummel Creek Elementary School in Spring Branch School District. She, her husband Jack, and their three sons were members at Tallowood Baptist Church. Gena was one of the first people we met when we came to Tallowood almost 43 years ago. For over 50 years, she and her husband, Jack, loved, invested in, and served the youth at the church.
Gena worked in the youth division at church until age 85! For years she worked in and kept the attendance record for the 12th grade department. The youth groups usually had donuts on the first Sunday of each month. But not the seniors! Gena would make egg casseroles, homemade strawberry bread, caramel apples, and other foods for her kids. On senior graduation Sunday, there was a brunch for the seniors and their parents. Gena took on the responsibility of making sure there were nice cloths and napkins on the tables, a beautiful centerpiece and decorations. She wanted to honor the graduates and let them know they were special.
Gena was also one of the High School Youth Choir sponsors. Each week she would organize and feed the students after choir practice. When others would help, she made sure they brought the best snacks for her kids. She was also a sponsor for the youth choir trips. If the choir was having a concert in the park or having a picnic, Gena and her team would purchase what was needed and have lunch set up for the young people and sponsors. She was even known to bring her roaster from home to make fresh Sloppy Joes. Knowing that not all the kids/adults like sandwiches, Gena would buy items for a salad. She was willing to do whatever was needed for a successful choir/mission trip. No matter how busy or tired she was, Gena never complained.
Camp Tallowood was one of the highlights each summer. Once again, Gena was a sponsor. In later years, Gena was in charge of the “Oasis.” Months before camp happened, Gena would make, bake, and freeze all kinds of goodies for the sponsors to have during their break time at camp. She also made trail mix, Rice Krispy treats, had fresh fruit and vegetables, and tortilla roll-ups with cream cheese and picante sauce. Gena knew the roll-ups were one of my favorites so she would make extra ones and hide them in the refrigerator for me to have the first day they were served and then later. She loved and took care of us big kids, too.
After Jack died, Nina and Edd Hendee invited Gena to be a greeter at the Taste of Texas. Naturally, Gena also used her time to mentor and invest in the hosts and hostesses who worked there. Because of the respect she had earned, she was able to encourage and help them make wise choices. On occasion, Gena helped with gas money, provided gifts and supplies to new parents all while celebrating life with her Taste of Texas family.
Gena Morrison had the gifts of service, giving, and hospitality and she freely shared them with thousands of young people and adults through the years. She had high expectations and people were willing to rise to those challenges. Manners, treating people respectfully, and dressing appropriately were important. Our three sons always felt like they were her favorites. And amazingly, Gena made thousands of others feel the same way. She loved so many and was loved by so many. Thank you, God, for Gena Morrison. She showed me how to be more like you.
We all have a starting date and will one day have an earthly ending date. Now is the time to choose to invest in and make contributions to make sure our dash in the middle counts and makes a difference, even after we are gone.
Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting;
But a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.
Proverbs 31:30
And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
Colossians 3:17
Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.
1 Peter 4:10
* Thanks to Karen Schoeppey for the pictures.
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