John Roosevelt Morrison

Mr. John Roosevelt Morrison was born on February 13, 1931 in Statesville, North Carolina to the late Mr. Alonzo W. Morrison Sr. and Betty Stevenson Morrison.  He entered into eternal rest on Friday, June 15, 2018 at The Worthington Retirement Community in Gahanna, Ohio.

John, affectionately referred to as “Rosey, Uncle Rosey or Velt” and “My Dude” by a staff member of The Worthington, accepted Christ at an early age and was baptized at Chestnut Grove Baptist Church, Statesville, NC.  As he was an avid reader and traveler over the years, he took refuge at both The Berean Baptist Church and Calvary Baptist in New York City, Christ Memorial in Columbus OH, and most recently joined in fellowship with the Christian Valley Missionary Baptist Church where he was excited and rejuvenated in his Christian fellowship. His favorite Bible passage was Psalm 100 and even in his sickness, he lived accordingly.

Rosey was educated in the Statesville Public School System and was a graduate of Unity High School.  He attended North Carolina A & T State University in Greensboro, NC and in his final semester prior to graduation he was drafted into the United States Army. He then went on to serve his country for 8 years until 1962 and received an Honorable Discharge.

Upon moving to New York, Rosey retired from the Internal Revenue Service with more than 20 years of service.  

Rosey was extremely kind-hearted, loved spending time with family and friends, passionate about music and singing – always ready with a song of praise. Most of all, he believed in serving the Lord with his whole heart.  He so loved to travel and there were very few places in the world that he did not visit.  He raved about his recent visit to Washington, DC with his good friend John Myers (Wamo), and Rosey was ecstatic that he was able to travel back home to North Carolina and share quality time with family the weekend prior to his passing.  He leaves us with a plethora of memories and a legacy of love.

 In addition to his parents, Rosey was preceded in death by his brother: Alonzo W. Morrison Jr; Sisters: Kattie B. Davis Bailey and Betty S. Morrison Linney; Nephews: Robert Davis and Bobby Davidson; Niece: Edwina Linney; Great Nephew: Zayne Davis.

 Rosey leaves to cherish his memory a devoted Sister: Glendora Morrison Bond (Kurtis) of Columbus OH; Brother-in-law: Edward Linney of North Carolina; As he fondly referred to his “Special Daughter from Heaven”: Lorletha Megail Morrison Marshall (Anthony) of North Carolina; Nieces: Chaneta Davis-Hall (Ronald), Peggy Williams (Larry); Denia Jefferson-Amos (James Sr.); Angel Linney Dalton (Derrick I); Nephews: John W. Davis (Shelby), Ernest Jefferson Jr. (Erica), Jeffrey Davis (Pamela), Vernon “Mackie” Morrison.  Thirty-four grand nieces and nephews a host of great nieces and nephews.  One Aunt: Betty Morrison.  Special Family: Betty Bias (Willie), Jeanette Lyles, Michael Jeter, Donna Spriggs, Rashawn “Ronnie” Lowry, Mildred Stevenson, Eleanora Ridley, Nazaree Scott, Candy Stevenson, Madeline Daniels, Pamela Lowery, Greg Dukes (Marcia), John Dukes (Tina) and Howard Dukes.  Special friends: Oliver Davis (New York), John Myers “Wamo” (Oakland, CA), and Curtis Bond (Columbus, OH).  

 Forever cherishing the small rewards, a sweet smile of appreciation, a warm embrace, and the unspoken recognition that will always be remembered. In addition to a family who adored him, Rosey had special and devoted caregivers, his sister Glendora “Nana” and nieces: Denia “DJ” and LaKisha Jefferson who will forever love him.

 Forever cherishing the small rewards, a sweet smile of appreciation, a warm embrace, and the unspoken recognition that will always be remembered. Rosey had two special and devoted caregivers, his sister Glendora “Nana” and Denia “DJ” who will forever love him.

Visitation 9:00am and Funeral 10:00am Saturday, June 23, 2018 at Christian Valley Baptist Church, 3330  Scottwood Rd.

Interment at Eastlawn Cemetery