Millie Jo Morris, a cherished and lifelong resident of Altus, Oklahoma, passed away on February 20, 2025, at Jackson County Memorial Hospital, just days shy of her 89th birthday. Born on February 29, 1936, in Tipton, Oklahoma, to Millie and Betty Martin moved to Altus as a young girl, where she would plant deep roots and build a life filled with love, faith, and service.
A proud graduate of Altus High School Class of 1954, Millie shone as a forward on the basketball team under the legendary coach Cletus B. Street . Her passion for learning led her to Southwestern Oklahoma State University, where she studied briefly returning to marry her high school sweet heart, Joseph E. White. Together, they raised three devoted children: Pam, Gay, and Scott.
Millie’s professional life was marked by dedication and excellence. She began her career at McPherson Ford, where she honed her skills in clerical and receptionist roles. Later, she supported her husband’s Heat and Air business, managing bookkeeping and administrative tasks. Her career culminated at Altus Air Force Base, where she served in the Civil Engineering Department. Starting as a clerical worker, she rose through the ranks to become an inspector, retiring in June 1995 after more than 30 years of distinguished service.
A woman of deep faith, Millie was a lifelong member of the First Methodist Church in Altus. Her love for the Lord was evident in her unwavering commitment to the church and her active involvement in the Methodist Women' Circle, Fellowship Sunday School Class , Habitat for Humanity, and the Country Kitchen. She also volunteered at the Museum of the Western Prairie, sharing her time and talents with her community.
Millie’s interests were as varied as they were heartfelt. She was an avid quilter, a passionate supporter of the Altus Bulldogs, and a dedicated coach for her daughters’ basketball teams. She found joy in gardening, dancing with Silver Bells cherished trips to Hicks Mountain with family and friends , and took immense pride in her patriotism and love for America. Her sharp wit, quirky personality, and great sense of humor endeared her to all who knew her.
Millie was preceded in death by her parents; her sisters, Bettychene Frank and Barbara Ellis; her grandson, Paul Daniel Anderson; her first husband, Joseph White; and her second husband, Elmer V. “Pat” Morris. She is survived by her loving children: daughter Pam Bean (Billy), daughter Gay Anderson (Brian), and son Scott White (Stacy). Her legacy continues through her eight grandchildren—Philip, Cory, Wesley (Kayla), Dyan, Sonja, Mika, (Brandon),Luke (LaRissa) and Westin and her great-grandchildren: Asher, Barrett, Skylyn, Wes, Maddie, Wyatt, Peter, Samuel, Millie, and Henry.
Millie’s life was a testament to love, resilience, and community. She was a devoted mother, a doting grandmother, and a loyal friend who touched countless lives with her kindness and generosity. Her memory will forever be cherished by her family, friends, and the community she so dearly loved.
A celebration of Millie’s life will be held at the First Methodist Church in Altus, where her spirit of faith and service will be honored at 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, February 25, 2025. Memorial donations may be made to the Museum of the Western Prairie or Habitat for Humanity, organizations close to Millie’s heart.
Millie Jo Morris will be deeply missed, but her legacy of love, laughter, and devotion will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.
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Funeral
25
Feb
317 N. Main
Altus, OK 73521
