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MARIANNA POWER MORGAN Marianna Power Morgan, known as Tay to her family and friends, passed away peacefully, surrounded by family on February 11, 2013. She was 91 years old. Tay was born August 26, 1921, in Republican's Grove, Halifax County, Virginia, to Jane Owen and Frank Power. Tay married the love of her life, John Gerlach Morgan, in 1939. They had met in a local grocery store where Johnny managed the produce department. The petite, high-school aged, brunette, caught his eye and captured his heart after he noticed her checking the ripeness of fruits by giving them an occasional squeeze. The couple celebrated their 73rd wedding anniversary last November 1 in the Army Residence Community, where they moved in the early 2000s.Tay and John raised three children: Michael John, Eileen Sue and Kenneth Ray. John worked for the US Government Printing Office during their early marriage, but then joined the United States Army where he rose through the ranks to Colonel. A WWII veteran, John's tours of duty included San Antonio, TX, Washington DC, Germany, and later Korea. The couple enjoyed his tour of duty in Panama. Tay was considered a great Army wife: one who could get up and go on a moment's notice. They continued to live in San Antonio after his retirement. A loving, loyal spouse and mother, as well as a faithful friend to those fortunate enough to know her, Tay devoted herself to her home, plants, and beloved cat "Bogie," the stray who came to stay. She valued her warm relationships with Sunday School friends at Trinity Baptist Church and later with friends old and new at the Army Residence Community. Tay was never without a book or crossword puzzle close by. She enjoyed country music performers, George Strait and Willie Nelson, in particular. A talented seamstress, she created beautiful outfits for her daughter, Eileen, "Chick," all through school. Any small plant touched by her green thumb automatically blossomed and thrived. The heart of her family, Tay blessed those around her with a ready wit and wry sense of humor that made conversations sweeter and problems not as dire. Not an advice-giver, she listened carefully. When a dollop of wisdom seemed needed, it would come after some thoughtful evaluation and always seemed to hit the mark. She was pragmatic, too, knowing what was really important about life and relationships--simply loving and accepting people as they were. Tay's signature telephone sign-off, "Love you," was all the more treasured because she really meant it. Described by her loved ones as generous, sweet and good-natured, and a great wife and mother, Tay left her love, smile, twinkling eyes and gentle voice in the hearts and memories of her surviving spouse, children and grandchildren.. Tay was predeceased by her parents, her sister, Eileen Sparks and brother-in-law, Ernie Sparks. She is survived by her husband, John G. Morgan, son Michael John Morgan and daughter-in-law Patti, of Wimberley; daughter Eileen "Chick" Morgan and son-in-law Keith Melville, of Connecticut; son Kenneth Ray Morgan and daughter-in-law, Deborah, of Midland, grandson, Daniel Morgan and family of Kentucky; and nieces Cheryl "Cherie" E. Little, of Bellingham, WA, and Marilyn "Mim" Eichman of Downers Grove, IL. Her grandchildren of affection include Jennie Rubenstein of NYC, Amy Tully of Northampton, MA, Rebecca LaVoie Flynn of Hopkinton, NH, and Alison Melville of NYC. The Morgan Family wishes to thank Heart to Heart Hospice for their compassionate and exemplary care for Tay during a brief time at the Army Residence Community. Thanks are also extended to the general ARC staff and especially several of her care staff in Assisted Living who also added so much comfort. Funeral arrangements by Alamo Funeral Home. Burial will be at Fort Sam Houston. A Memorial Service will take place at the Army Residence Community, Thursday, February 21 at 1.30 pm with a reception to follow. Donations in Tay Morgan's name may be directed to the Protestant Council of the Army Residence Community.

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Marianna "Tay" Morgan

August 26, 1921 - February 11, 2013