Shirley Ann (Morris) Wilson of Forksville, PA passed away peacefully in the hands of God and the arms of those who passed before her, on April 27, 2025, at 93 years young. She entered heaven willingly to her God and Savior and those who went before.
Shirley was born on July 28, 1931, in Elkland Township to Hermit and Nellie Heess. She attended the Estella School and graduated in 1949. Shirley then attended Secretarial School in Williamsport, PA. Shirley and Duane married on June 14, 1952, in Lincoln Falls Wesleyan Church in Lincoln Falls, PA. She and Duane started and managed the Morris Lumber Mill in Elkland Township until Duane’s passing in 1969. After his passing, Shirley worked in the office of the Darway Nursing Home in Estella, PA. for several years until she married Robert Wilson, from Falconer, NY in 1976.
Shirley is survived by her two daughters, Cindy Ann Morris-Baker (husband, Paul Baker) of Baja, Mexico, Penny Marie Morris Acosta of Atlanta, GA. and sisters Betty Bozman and Sandy Bown of Forksville, PA. She is also survived by her grand-children and their families – Penny’s daughters, Cielo Paloma Acosta and Isabo Noelle Jennings (husband, Robert Jennings) of Atlanta, GA., and son, Gary’s children, Shawn Morris (wife, Elizabeth) from Zelienope, PA and grand-daughter Kimberly Knox (husband, Dan Knox) of Harrisonville, PA. Shirley had 3 great grandchildren from her grand-son, Shawn – Kayleigh, Sadie and Bella Morris of Zelienope, PA.
Shirley is predeceased by her husbands, Malcolm Duane Morris, and Robert Wilson, her son, Gary Duane Morris, her parents, Nellie and Kermit Heess and siblings, Carl Heess, and Ella Ruth Bryan.
Shirley was beloved by everyone she met and knew – her warm smile and gentle ways made everyone feel loved and at ease. Shirley was a devoted member of the Millview Wesleyan Church and the local quilting group. She enjoyed crocheting, photography, baking, card making and other crafts. Shirley worked many years at the Sullivan County Fairgrounds and won numerous blue ribbons for her famous apple and blueberry pies. Shirley also spent countless years researching and studying her family’s genealogy and devoted her life to creating this legacy for future generations.
Shirley loved Sullivan County with her heart and soul and seldom traveled further. She was born and died here and devoted her life to her family and friends and the community that surrounded her.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, May 3, 2025, at 2 p.m. at the McCarty-Thomas Funeral Home, 119 Carpenter Street, Dushore, PA. Friends may call at the funeral home one hour prior to the funeral on Saturday. A private graveside service to follow for family at the Greenwood Cemetery in Elkland Township, Sullivan County.
In lieu of flowers, expressions of gratitude can be made for the restoration of the one room schoolhouse where Shirley attended. It was her dream to restore this piece of her history and of Sullivan County’s history during her lifetime. Please reach out to Cindy Baker or Penny Acosta for further details on contribution information.
Expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at http://www.mccartythomas.com.
