Janice Lorraine Morris
July 15, 2014
Janice Lorraine Morris, 59, passed away July 15, 2014. A private memorial service will be held at Hamilton’s on Westown Parkway.
Janice was born in Fruitport, MI to Margaret and Earl Comstock on November 17, 1954. She had a passion for teaching, children, and family. Janice was a special education teacher at Brody and SE Polk; and most recently taught 6th grade language arts and reading at Merrill Jr. High. She enjoyed traveling to Wisconsin to visit her daughter and family, helping last summer with her twin grandchildren. Janice was a giving and caring person. She also enjoyed photography and was a trained International Baccalaureate.
She is survived by her mother, Margaret Comstock; daughter, Dana (David) Erato; grandchildren, Bennett and Natalia Erato; siblings, James, Susan, and Steven (Lydia) Comstock; Dana’s father, Ed Morris; and great-nephews, Calvin Collison and Beau White. Janice was preceded in death by her father; and sisters, Marge Collison and Mary Brandow.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be directed to Habitat for Humanity or to Doctor’s without Borders. Condolences may be expressed online at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.
Former Merrill Student
07/21/2014
I had Ms. Morris first period my 6th grade year. She made Merrill easier for me by talking me through the year and telling me how much faith she had in me to succeed. Language arts was much more interesting and fun with the personal spin Ms. Morris put into her units. Although I will be heading to high school, the halls of Merrill will never be the same. My prayers go out to her family at this time.
Becky Porter
07/20/2014
I knew Jan for several years while teaching at Merrill. We got to know each other best through co-teaching and taking classes together at the Civic Center. I am so thankful for the time we were able to spend together and get to know each other on a personal level. My life is better for having known Jan, she enriched the lives of all those around her. I am so sorry for your loss.
Ann Brown
07/20/2014
I had the privilege to team teach special education with Jan at Brody for four years. She was an amazing, caring educator and friend. She touched the lives of many people. She will be deeply missed. My thoughts and prayers are with your family.
Heidi Jones
07/20/2014
Oh Dana, I am so sorry about the loss of your mother. I hope the memories you have of her bring you comfort during this most difficult time. Take care and know that I will be thinking of you and your family. Sending love, hugs, and prayers your way...
Lola Mann
07/20/2014
Although I did not see Jan very often in the past 10-20 years, every time I did see her it was like it'd only been a few days ago that we'd talked. Always friendly, kind, caring, and positive. How I loved the sparkle that would come to her eyes. What a gifted, talented, loving, and giving person. A tremendous loss for so many. I am very happy to say that I knew her...and called her "friend". I'm so sorry for your loss, Dana, and family. My heart aches for your anguish. May all your treasured moments and memories of her ease your heart, your soul. Hugs and much love.
Elizabeth Finn
07/20/2014
I am blessed to have met and known such a lovely person at Merrill. Jan is an encouragement to me to take extra time to help all children and people. She will be missed by more people than anyone can know.
Debbie Chapman
07/19/2014
The Hiatt Middle School students and staff are thinking of you all and sending thoughts and prayers.
Donna and Ashton Veal
07/19/2014
Wonderful teacher! Ms. Morris will be greatly missed in the halls of Merrill. May the love and prayers from family and friends support you and may you find joy in special memories of your Mom, daughter, sister, Gma and Aunt.
Cherie Mortice
07/19/2014
Jan was an amazing teacher and an inspiration to me during my teaching career. She was an advocate for students and never backed down when she felt policies were compromising student achievement and welfare.
Cheryl Thompson
07/19/2014
Jan was a quiet force for good in her students lives. I will miss her smile and the quick chats we'd have in the halls of Merrill, even after I didn't have kids in her class. My eldest son had her and she made the transition to middle school easier. I loved how excited she was to take her students to Barnes and Noble this spring to infuse her love of reading to them. She will definitely be missed by all who had the pleasure of being touched by her life.
Rikki and Duane Dixon
07/19/2014
We are so sorry to hear of Jan's death. She was a dear friend and will be missed greatly. Our prayers and sympathy go out to you, Dana and to the rest of the family. She is at rest and in the arms of the One who loves us all.
Kim Collison Yager
07/19/2014
I have so many great memories of my Aunt Jan to cherish walking up to Grovers for a lime phosphate, swimming, playing paper dolls, dressing up for Halloween, making her famous peanut butter popcorn, going to church, or just sitting around and talking.
I will always be grateful and thankful to Aunt Jan for stepping up and taking in Calvin and Beau putting their needs before her own. She never let the magnitude of the task deter her -- she truly put her entire heart into everything she did.
I am so grateful that she took the time to visit in June it is a memory I will always hold near my heart. I am thankful she thought so much of me to make the journey. I pray she found the peace she was searching for and is resting in the arms of our Heavenly Father and reunited with her loved ones who have gone before her.
Uncle Ed, Dana, Calvin and Beau you are close to my heart and in my thoughts. I love you and I pray that your tears are soon replaced by smiles of happier times. Our door is always open.
In memory of Aunt Jan I will never take for granted there will be a tomorrow never leave without saying I love you.
Steve Grimmer
07/19/2014
I first met Jan...through Ed...at Graceland... I knew then that she had captured the Heart of my Brother... I pray for Ed, Dana & Dave, and esp. Her Grandbabies... May you all find the Peace in your Hearts that Jan was searching for... I pray than Jan is finally at Peace.. My love to all who knew and loved Jan... And May God grant you a special blessing of understanding.., as we all wonder and question, Why?
Nathan Hopkins
07/19/2014
Mrs.Morris was a great teacher and she will be greatly missed by all.
Julie Schwertley mother of a student
07/19/2014
Ms.Morris helped my daughter find her way in middle school. She was a teacher who truly cared and my daughter felt like she was more than just one of the many faces in the middle school halls. She will be deeply missed but I know for sure she will live on through her students who will help change the world one day. With one small act of kindness at a time just like they learned from Ms. Morris. Sending our thoughts and strength to her family.