H.R. No. 1202
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, Family and friends are mourning the loss of Gerald
Morris Jr. of Houston, who passed away on April 24, 2021, at the age
of 56; and
WHEREAS, The son of Gerald Morris Sr. and Shirley Ann Morris,
Gerald Morris was born in Shreveport, Louisiana, on February 17,
1965, and grew up with four younger siblings; educated in the North
Forest Independent School District, he excelled in track and
basketball and also won dance competitions; he went on to graduate
from barber's school and co-owned a successful barber and beauty
shop in Oklahoma; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Morris became active in East Park Baptist Church
in the 1980s, serving as president of the Young Adult Choir; he was
ordained as a deacon in 1986, and under his leadership as drill
sergeant, the Drill Team Ministry won many awards; called to the
ministry, he was ordained in 1996 and organized United Christian
Community Church in Houston; after moving to Oklahoma City,
Oklahoma, he served at Christian Faith Missionary Baptist Church
for many years; he returned to Houston and East Park Baptist in
2009, and he also belonged to the Lighthouse Church and Gethsemane
Missionary Baptist Church; in 2016, he received the Community
Appreciation Award from the East Houston Economic Development
Company in recognition of his service and mentorship of North
Forest residents; and
WHEREAS, During the pandemic, Mr. Morris led his family in a
telephone worship service every Sunday morning, helping them grow
in their faith, and his brothers, cousins, and Uncle Richard joined
him weekly for a men's Bible study; every Friday, he shared his
faith live on Facebook, even when hospitalized; and
WHEREAS, Gerald Morris led a life of caring devotion to
others, and although he is deeply missed, he will remain a lasting
source of inspiration to all who knew him; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 87th Texas
Legislature hereby pay tribute to the life of Gerald Morris Jr. and
extend sincere condolences to his loved ones; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
prepared for his family and that when the Texas House of
Representatives adjourns this day, it do so in memory of Gerald
Morris Jr.
Dutton
______________________________
Speaker of the House
I certify that H.R. No. 1202 was unanimously adopted by a
rising vote of the House on May 23, 2021.
______________________________
Chief Clerk of the House