Sister Hiawatha Lewis Morrow, was called to her heavenly Father on July 19, 2024. She was born March 19, 1953, in Knoxville, Tennessee to the late Elder Eddie and Mary E. Lewis. She is preceded in death by her parents, father and mother-in-law, Mr Charles Richard Morrow, Mother bertie mae Jackson Morrow and Her sister, Carolyn Elaine Lewis Davis.
Sister Morrow joined Beulah Church God Holiness, in Knoxville, Tennessee at the tender age of seven (7) Years old under Elder A.J. Glenn where she became the church musician at the age of 7, Here she played and directed the senior and junior choirs. In Knoxville, Sister Morrow received many academic achievement awards while attending school. She was especially proud of winning the citywide Negro History contest held in Knoxville. In 1968, She moved to Pontiac, Michigan where she attended the Mt. Moriah Church of God Holiness in Detroit, Michigan under the late Elder Charles Allen. Here, Sister Morrow organized and directed the first junior choir and played for the Gospel chorus, senior choir and sunshine band. She graduated with honors from Pontiac Northern High School and received 5 academic scholarships and a 4-year scholarship from Michigan State University, in East Lansing Michigan. From Michigan State she received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Pre-Law, Social Science/Ethnic and Intergroup Relations with a minor in History. Sister Morrow was a pioneer and trailblazer in many areas in the 1970's in Pontiac, Michigan.
Sister Morrow was listed in Who's Who in 1971 and the Ebony Jet Magazine. She was the first black Junior Miss of Pontiac, Michigan and the State of Michigan, first black piano accompanist for both the acapella choir and the girls choir, at Pontiac Northern, acapella choir president, student council president, student director, honor society recipient, recipient of the National Elks Foundation Leadership award and scholarship. She was also the first black to serve on many boards in Pontiac, Michigan, receiving numerous leadership, citizenship and music awards and honor for her services. She was a member of the Pontiac Urban Coalition, Michigan State Alumni Association, Minority Pre-law Association.
On April 3, 1976 she was united in holy matrimony to Deacon Richard Anthony Morrow of Gainesville, Georgia. After moving to Georgia, she became active at Mt. Calvary Church of God Holiness. Her church duties included organist, director of children's department, secretary of Pastor's aid. She was also a Charter member of the National Youth Choir of the Churches of God Holiness. U.S.A. While at Mt. Calvary she was happy to have organized the Combined Children's Choir. Sister Morrow's love for children led her to occupations related to children. She worked for the State of Georgia- Human Resources-Youth Services, the Department of Family and Children Services with Protective Services. She also worked closely with former governor Nathan Deal. She was also an academic advisor and also taught education career classes at the University of Georgia in Athens, Georgia. In 1986, Sister Morrow received the Regents Opportunity Academic Scholarship from College and State University. Here she received her Masters degree in Social Science Education graduating with honors a 4.0 grade point average. she strived to always keep god first in everything. In pursuing life plans Sister Morrow's motto came from her father who said... ”Education without salvation is damnation" . For those who knew and loved her, knew she was a lady of strong convictions, highly controversial, dedicated to honesty and fairness and a champion of the “underdog" .
She loved justice for all people and lived to eradicate injustice when confronted with it. She loved to resolve differences as well as embrace them. She lived with a universal mind and international spirit, knowing that God's kingdom and God's church consists of men, women and children of ALL colors from ALL nations of the world! Hallelujah! Glory to God!! She will be missed.
She is survived by: her loving, caring and handsome husband, Richard “Baby”; Her mother- in-law: Momma Ann Morrow, and her brother and sister-in-law, Elder Roger and Mother Yolanda Owens, Sisters: Brenda L. Cordell and Ethel-Regina Lewis; Nephews and Nieces- Eddie Ringgold, Channel Davis, Michele (Paul) Davis, Micheal (Mikaila) Davis, Jr., André (Brittney) Collins, Ricarah Sunshine Riddle, Miguel (Denise) Owens, Chris Owens, William Owens; Great-Nieces: Vivian, Vanessa; Great-Nephews: Riot Riddle Daniels, Rehobah Davis; Brother-In-Law: Micheal Davis, Sr., God-Daughters: Pamela, Ebony; God- Son: Bobby; Special Daughter: Tenaka; Special Friend: Mother Hilda Carter; Aunts, Uncles, Cousins, Relatives and Friends.