Smith Morris, lovingly known to his friends as Morris, 84, of Johnston, IA, formerly of Hanover, PA, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, January 30, 2024 at the Unity Point Taylor House Hospice center in Des Moines, IA. He was the loving husband of the late Cecelia Morris; together they shared 38 years of marriage before her passing in 2017.

Born December 25, 1939 in Yeaween, Grand Bassa, Liberia, Africa, he was a son of the late Charles and Tete Morris.

His journey to the United States began in 2003 when, as Liberian refugees, he led his family to America under the sponsorship of the First United Methodist Church. A poignant chapter in Morris's life unfolded as four of his children were temporarily separated during the Liberian civil war. Three of the children were later found in Ghana and arrived in Hanover in early 2006. However, Morris's eldest son, Othello, was unfortunately deemed too old to qualify for refugee status, so he remains in Africa.

Morris dedicated his working years to Elsner Engineering and Utz Quality Foods, where he demonstrated unwavering commitment, never missing a day due to illness until his retirement in 2017. A proud and hardworking parent, Morris cherished his family, consisting of seven children and 23 grandchildren. After retiring, he chose to reside in Iowa, where three of his children had made their home.

Morris is survived by his seven children, Othello Morris, Patricia Tete Morris, Redemption Morris, Mark Morris, Dickson Morris, Nevaeh Tebeh Morris, and Bill Morris; a niece, Esther Greah, and 23 grandchildren.

A service to celebrate the life of Smith Morris will be held at 11 am on Saturday, February 24, 2024, at the First Church of Hanover, 200 Frederick St., Hanover, PA with Rev. Dr. B. Michael Brossman officiating. A time to share memories with the family will be on Friday from 6-8 pm at the Wetzel Funeral Home & Crematory, 549 Carlisle St., Hanover, PA and then again on Saturday from 10 am until the time of service at the church. The burial will be in Mt. Olivet Cemetery, Hanover. Pallbearers will be Redemption Morris, Mark Morris, Dickson Morris, Bill Morris, Eddie K. Taylor, and Davion Lucas.

Memorial contributions may be made to First Church of Hanover Memorial Fund, 200 Frederick St., Hanover, PA, 17331.

To share memories of Smith Morris and view a video tribute, please visit www.wetzelfuneralhome.com.