Dara Morris

(From Lakin Funeral Home)

Dara Chrystine Morris, age 26, passed away on Saturday, November 1, 2025, at her home in Aurora, MO with family by her side. She was born in Aurora, MO on Tuesday, April 6, 1999; daughter of Dionna Priest and Robert Morris. She was a 2017 graduate of Beardstown High School in Illinois; however, she attended school in Pierce City until her senior year. She excelled in school and participated in FFA and Spanish Club. She was also very artistic and enjoyed being creative through art. 

Dara obtained an associate's degree in science and had a goal of becoming a zoo veterinarian. She enjoyed food (dessert, chocolate shakes, coffee, etc.), music, animals, VW bugs, reading, and watching crime shows. Dara loved her dog, "Ninja" and her nephews. She will be missed by many! 

Surviving are the following, her mother, Dionna Priest and Uncle Danon Priest of the home in Aurora, MO; father, Robert Morris of Wentworth, MO; siblings, Darek (Jessica) Morris of McDowell, MO; and Daylee Shinebarger of Nixa, MO; four nephews, Joel, Aiden, Jameson, and Easton; paternal grandmother, Annibel Morris of Wentworth, MO; several aunts, uncles, and cousins; and many friends.

Those welcoming Dara to heaven include her maternal grandparents, Wayne and Peggy Priest; paternal grandpa, Eugene Morris; and a cousin, Cody Blankenship. 

The family will receive friends at Lakin Funeral Home in Pierce City, MO on Monday, November 10, 2025, from 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM. A Celebration of Life will be at Lakin Funeral Home in Pierce City, MO on Tuesday, November 11, 2025, beginning at 2:00 PM with Pastor Nicole Shinebarger officiating.

Memorials may be made, in Dara's memory, to Haven of the Ozarks in care of the funeral home. Arrangements are under the personal care and direction of Lakin Funeral Home in Pierce City, MO.