Eralee Zola Morphis' Obituary
Eralee Morphis of Garland, age 95, passed away Thursday afternoon, February 8, 2018 after a brief illness. She is survived by daughters and sons-in-law: Cheryl and Jim Johnson of Murphy, Diane and John Pace of Colleyville, and Janis Molsbee of Garland. Grandchildren: Christine and Devery Johnson, Kelly and Marc Mayo, Melanie Davis and Aaron Faulkner, Christopher Pace, Chelsea and Jeremy Hatchett, Brittany Pace, and Jaron Molsbee. Great grandchildren: Haley Johnson, Everett Johnson, Walker Marsh, Hunter Marsh, Jordan Davis, Alison Faulkner, and Ryder Hatchett. Great-great grandchild: Brody Williams. One surviving sister, Eunice Carter of Missouri.Eralee was born June 21, 1922 in Bell County, Texas to Victoria Katherine (Jecmenek) and Joseph Frank Martinec. She lived and went to school in that area through graduation. During World War II, she went to work for Southern Aircraft of Garland and was trained to be a die caster. It was there that she met the love of her life, Jehu Morphis. They were married April 3, 1943 and were together for 53 years until his death in 1996. They became lifelong members of First Presbyterian Church of Garland in 1950.Along with raising a family of three daughters, they co-founded J&E Die Casting Co., Inc. in 1958. Eralee attended a business school to learn how to run the office end of the business. They successfully grew J&E until selling it in 1977. They enjoyed their retirement days traveling with friends, and going to their east Texas farm in Edgewood.In 1976, Eralee started a new hobby; she learned to oil paint from a dear friend and has left many beautiful landscapes and floral paintings for her family to enjoy. After Jehu’s death, she traveled with friends to many places, including the Czech Republic where her family originated. It wouldn’t take much prompting for Eralee to recite John 3:16 in Czech.She enjoyed many years participating in events with the Garland Senior Center, along with monthly birthday dinner outings with the “Garland Girls.”She drove, and lived independently in her own home until just a few years ago. In 2015, Mayberry Gardens Assisted Living in Garland became her new home. At Mayberry, she made new friends and was lovingly cared for by the staff there. Special thanks and love to house managers Shelby and Lesa who took “Miss Eralee” under their wing and treated her like their second mom.And also, many thanks to the comforting care given to Eralee by the nurses and staff at Methodist Hospital Richardson at her time of need.The family request that visiting hours be observed in The Memorial Chapel at Restland Funeral Home from 1:00 pm until 2:00 pm on Monday, February 12, 2018. A funeral service for Mrs. Eralee will follow at 2:00 pm.Memorials may be made in Eralee’s name at the First Presbyterian Church in Garland, or to a charity of your choice.Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Restland Funeral Home and Cemetery, 13005 Greenville Avenue, at Restland Road, Dallas, TX 75243, (972-238-7111).
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