Deborah Alayne (Hammond) Morris

Mrs. Deborah Alayne (Hammond) Morris, age 71, of Gainesville, Georgia, passed away Thursday, July 10, 2025.

Born in Blue Ridge, Georgia, Deborah came into the world on September 3, 1953. The daughter of Charles “Charlie” Truman Hammond and Ellen (Whitmire) Hammond, she was the youngest of four siblings. She grew up in Clarkesville, Georgia, surrounded by the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains and a large extended family of aunts, uncles, and cousins.

She was a loving, devoted, and fiercely loyal spouse to Charles “Chip” Lake Morris, Jr., and he to her. Celebrating 50 years together on June 21, 2025, their union was full of laughter, adventure, and unwavering love. Deborah was a tender and nurturing mother to her children, Allison and Trevor Morris. She loved to be surrounded by family and brought warmth to every gathering. She made holidays special, never forgot a birthday, and was always thoughtful and kind. If you mentioned something you liked, even in passing, more often than not, she would surprise you with it later.

Following a career in banking, Deborah worked alongside her husband Chip in their landscaping business for many years. In retirement, after selling Landscape Management Company, they traveled in their RV and spent time at their second home at Edisto Beach. Having a green thumb, Deborah enjoyed countless hours in their yard creating a beautiful oasis that was enjoyed by all. Deborah also loved “treasure hunting” at estate sales and thrift stores. Their home, full of unique and whimsical finds, is a reflection of her creative eye and playful spirit. Deborah had a special interest in reading Southern fiction that echoed the voices and landscapes of her deeply rooted Appalachian heritage. She loved to have fun, had a wonderful sense of humor, and was quick to laugh – her joy was genuine and contagious.

Deborah left this world on July 10, 2025, after a brief illness. She received excellent medical care at Northeast Georgia Medical Center and enjoyed meeting people from over 24 countries during her stay there. With her charming presence, she delighted and surprised everyone she met during her hospital stay, from doctors and nurses to respiratory therapists and staff. Before their encounter was over, she had learned their “story” and revealed a piece of herself.  Deborah was a born-again Christian, and she shared her testimony unabashedly.

Deborah developed a new motto later in life and offered this advice to family, friends, and strangers alike: If someone asks you to do something, always say “no” first. You can then think about it and change your mind later if you want to!

Deborah was predeceased by her parents, Charlie and Ellen Hammond, and her brother, Philip Hammond. She is survived by her husband Chip Morris, her children Allison Morris (Hayley), and Trevor Morris (Marilyn), grandchildren Kayla McClain and Kingston Morris, great-grandchild Kai McClain, her “seester” Phyllis Danforth, her brother Michael Hammond, her sister-in-law Tracy Morris, many nieces and nephews whom she loved deeply, and friends whom she held dear.

Celebration of life services will be held Thursday, July 31, 2025, at Memorial Park Riverside Chapel (989 Riverside Drive, Gainesville, GA). The family will receive friends from 4:00-6:00 pm, followed by a service in the chapel and a private burial. The family welcomes guests to dress in a way that reflects Deborah’s vibrant and joyful spirit. Online condolences can be made at www.memorialparkfuneralhomes.com.

In lieu of flowers or a tree, Deborah and her family would like to help those less fortunate. Please consider dedicating a donation in Deborah’s name to Georgia Mountain Food Bank (www.gamountainfoodbank.org).

We love her with all our hearts, but she loves us more.

Memorial Park Riverside Chapel, 989 Riverside Drive, Gainesville, GA 30501. 770-297-6200. For online condolences www.memorialparkfuneralhomes.com  

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