Barbara Morrison

(From Parker Mortuary)

Barbara Joan Morrison, a lifelong Joplin resident, devoted community servant, and loving matriarch, passed away peacefully on November 26, 2025, at the age of 89, with her family by her side.

Born on March 7, 1936, at St. John’s Hospital in Joplin, Missouri, Barbara was the cherished daughter of Merrill Emlus Ward and Josephine Francis McCollum Ward. She spent her early childhood on the family property near Grand Falls before moving to Joplin with her family. She graduated from Joplin High School and continued her education at Missouri Southern State University.

In June 1956, Barbara married the love of her life, Clyde W. Morrison, Jr. Together, they built a beautiful life, raising their two children, Scott and Kelly, in the home they built in 1957.

Barbara dedicated her life to service and education, becoming a dynamic leader in the Joplin area. She was selected as the first Director of Educational Information for the Joplin School District, where she worked tirelessly to keep the community informed. Her passion for her alma mater led her to serve as President of the Missouri Southern Alumni Association. She was also honored with the prestigious "Girl of the Year Award" for her accomplishments.

Active in numerous civic and social organizations, Barbara was a proud member of the Zeta Gamma chapter of the Beta Sigma Phi sorority, the YMCA, Joplin Woman’s Club and the Downtown Ladies of Lions. She was a member of the Century Club, a book study group, and she enjoyed the camaraderie of her several bridge groups in Joplin.

Barbara was an engaged mother, often found coaching her children’s sports teams and supporting their activities. She and Clyde shared a profound love for travel, becoming avid world explorers. Their adventures took them across the globe, including most countries in Europe, as well as the Middle East, Japan, Hong Kong, the Soviet Union, and Mexico. Following the trips Barbara would host a themed party recreating the foods and culture followed by a slide show from the trip.

Barbara enjoyed visiting the lake and was a fan of the Antiques Roadshow. She was an avid antique collector and dealer. In 2004, the family created a new gathering place when they built a cabin on Grand Lake, right next door to other family members.

Barbara was preceded in death by her devoted husband, Clyde W. Morrison, Jr; her parents, Merrill E. Ward and Josephine F. McCollum Ward; her sister-in-law, Judy Ward; and Uncle Floyd Bud Ward (Nelda), Aunt Gladys Hailey and Uncle Jack Hailey.

She is survived by her loving children: Scott K. Morrison and Kelly S. Morrison. She is also survived by her brother, Jim E. Ward; cousins Linda Kay Hailey and Tom Hailey (Pat); and numerous cherished nieces and nephews: Alecia Ward Doten (Scott), Terry Ward, Gary Ward, Brian Ward (Kitty), Gregg Ward (Fanchion), Jon Hailey Anderson, Teri Hailey Taylor (Rich), and Shari Hailey Ramos (William), along with many other extended cousins and family members.

A public visitation will be held on Thursday, December 4, 2025, from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at Parker Mortuary in Joplin, Missouri. The funeral service will follow immediately at 11:00 AM at Parker Mortuary.

A graveside burial service will take place following the funeral at Ozark Memorial Park Cemetery. Service arrangements are under the direction of Parker Mortuary in Joplin.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be made to Solace House of the Ozarks or Region X Area Agency on Aging, Meals on Wheels Program.