Barbara Lee (Smith) Morris

Barbara Lee Smith Morris

A lifelong Hoosier, Barbara Lee Smith was born in Indianapolis to J. Everette Smith and Meryl Eliza Gregg Smith on June 26, 1924 and passed away peacefully on August 13, 2021. She was a proud graduate of Shortridge High School, where she was Tuesday Editor of the Daily Echo school newspaper.

She attended Indiana University in Bloomington, where she met her future husband, George W. Morris Jr., and was a member of Delta Delta Delta sorority. When George left IU to enlist in the US Army, Barbara moved back home and waited for him; they married on January 11, 1945 and proceeded to enjoy the next 70 years together until his passing in 2015.

Barbara enjoyed all facets of being a wife, mother and homemaker. She was an especially talented seamstress and created many childhood dresses for her daughters. In later years, her skills were utilized as she stitched square dance dresses which she wore to events she and George enjoyed throughout the Midwest.

Barbara and George took numerous trips throughout the eastern United States, and spent several weeks each winter at Ft. Myers Beach, FL where they made many friends. Their final vacation was completed just two weeks before George’s death.

Barbara Morris was predeceased by her parents; husband, and daughter, Sally Morris Byer. She is survived by her daughter, Patricia Morris Eble (Mark); son-in-law, Roy Byer; grandchildren, Scott Mitchell Evard (Stephanie), Elizabeth Lee Evard, and John William Byer; and great-grandson, Elliot Mitchell Evard.

The family wishes to express their appreciation to Barbara’s primary caregiver Christy Sims, and to the other ladies who provided so much support to her at Marquette in the past year. There will be a private Celebration of Life at a later date; ARN is handling the cremation. Interment will take place at Oaklawn Memorial Gardens, where she will once again join her beloved George.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to St. Labre Indian School (stlabre.org) or to a charity of the donor’s choice.