STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — Whether offering a prayer or a few words of encouragement, Dolores Morris had a gift for making everyone feel special.
Morris, 78, a dedicated social worker, devoted family woman, and longtime member of First Central Baptist Church, Stapleton, died Sept. 15.
Born on May 4, 1947, in New Orleans, Morris was the daughter of Mary White and Charlie Banks. She moved to Brooklyn at a young age, where she attended Erasmus Hall High School, graduating in 1965.
She later attended Staten Island Community College, now known as the College of Staten Island in Willowbrook, where she earned an associate’s degree before completing both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in social work at New York University.
In 1976, she married Paul Morris, and together they built a loving home on Staten Island, where they raised their daughter, Kia. Morris was a devoted mother and grandmother who found immense joy in her family. She was affectionately known as “Boonsie” to her grandchildren, Amara and Chad Thomas.
A woman of deep faith, Morris was a longtime and active member of First Central Baptist Church, where she was baptized. She served in several ministries at the church and formed lifelong friendships.
Her faith also guided her professional life. Morris served as a social worker at several Staten Island schools, most notably at Port Richmond High School. She retired in 2009, but continued to stay in touch with many of her former students and colleagues.
Antoinnette Donegan, a fellow member of First Central Baptist Church, recalled Morris’ warmth and unwavering belief in others.
“She was a wonderful, kind, gentle woman. Great educator, always encouraging the young people,” said Donegan. “She believed the best in them despite their behavior. My son is now 42 years old, and she never let me say anything bad about him; she believed in his potential.”
Morris’ legacy of kindness, faith, and dedication to others left a lasting mark on everyone who knew her.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Mary White and Charlie Banks; her stepfather, Paul White; her brother, Charles Clayton Banks; her sisters, Mercedes Banks and Pamela White; and her granddaughter, Amaya Thomas.
Morris is survived by her husband, Paul Morris; her daughter, Kia Thomas; her grandchildren, Amara and Chad Thomas; her brothers, Bobby Banks, Christopher Banks, and Paul White; her sister-in-law, Shelia Banks; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
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