Sherry Morris honored for dedication to Family Connection

Morris: Sherry’s love, compassion remembered

  • The weather did not stop many of Sherry Morris’ friends from attending her retirement reception Saturday at Fannin County Family Connection.
    The weather did not stop many of Sherry Morris’ friends from attending her retirement reception Saturday at Fannin County Family Connection.
  • Sherry Morris’ daughter, Hannah Loudermilk, was one of the many well-wishers at a reception Saturday at Fannin County Family Connection in honor of Morris’ retirement. Morris stepped down late last year after almost ten years of service.
    Sherry Morris’ daughter, Hannah Loudermilk, was one of the many well-wishers at a reception Saturday at Fannin County Family Connection in honor of Morris’ retirement. Morris stepped down late last year after almost ten years of service.
  • Sherry Morris, left, was recognized for her years of service to Fannin County Family Connection during a Saturday reception. She was presented a plaque by Family Connection Board Chair Sherry Echelberger.
    Sherry Morris, left, was recognized for her years of service to Fannin County Family Connection during a Saturday reception. She was presented a plaque by Family Connection Board Chair Sherry Echelberger.
  • Jim Brumbelow told how Sherry Morris offered the Lake Blue Ridge Marine Corps League Detachment a place to use for Toys for Tots, a gesture he credited with establishing the Christmas program and the league itself.
    Jim Brumbelow told how Sherry Morris offered the Lake Blue Ridge Marine Corps League Detachment a place to use for Toys for Tots, a gesture he credited with establishing the Christmas program and the league itself.
  • Jacqueline McKee, the new executive director at Fannin County Family Connection, told those gathered for Sherry Morris’ reception that she had found her “dream job.” She had first interned there, and was later invited to come back and take over the operation.
    Jacqueline McKee, the new executive director at Fannin County Family Connection, told those gathered for Sherry Morris’ reception that she had found her “dream job.” She had first interned there, and was later invited to come back and take over the operation.

    Testimonies of praise and admiration came one right after another for Sherry Morris as her years of service at Fannin County Family Connection were remembered Saturday, January 18.

    Called the “backbone of Family Connection” by Sherry Echelberger, Morris spent almost 10 years turning around an organization that was nearly bankrupt into one vital to the lives of countless area residents.

    Needed items were often sparse on the shelves at Family Connection’s Food Pantry, but the pantry has grown to see over 20,000 annual visits, which represents one in every six families in Fannin County getting help. Kinship Care helps grandparents raising grandchildren. The Family Resource Center offers homeless day services, a free clothing closet and library, and quarterly health services as just a few of its programs.

    Echelberger, chair of the Family Connection Board of Directors, credited Morris’ love, compassion, commitment and dedication to Family Connection for its growth and success. She told Morris, “You make this a special place (and) made the community a better place.”

    Katherine Suggs, a board member when Morris was hired, said Morris asked in her interview, “What do I have to do to get this job.” “I knew she was the one,” Suggs said.

    That began a career Morris originally thought would give her a chance to slow down. But when she announced her retirement late last year, she said, “To make the most impact in community service, you must be all in and I have been all in for close to a decade.”

    T.C. Dillard, another Family Connection board member, said Morris “put her heart and soul into this job.” She praised the retiring executive director for her goals, plans and organization.

    “She knows what this community needs,” Dillard said.

    Ron Ciochon of Feed Fannin described Morris as “our best partner.” He credited her with helping Feed Fannin grow.

    Jim Brumbelow credited Morris with the existence of Toys for Tots and the Blue Ridge Marine Corps League Detachment.

    Also a Family Connection board member, Brumbelow told of approaching Morris with an idea for the Marine Corps League and Toys for Tots. But a location was needed.  “You’ve got it,” Morris said, and this year the league served almost 1,000 children out of its “home” at Family Connection.

    Numerous others told of Morris’ work to make the community better.

    Then there were those who talked of Sherry, the way she treated people and the atmosphere she created at Family Connection.

    Among those was Jacqueline McKee, the new executive director.

    She told how she fell in love with Family Connection after interning and seeing “Sherry’s passion.”

    She cried when she left, but then experienced “a dream come true” when given the opportunity to follow in Morris’ footsteps as executive director.

    Victoria Walker, the organization’s Marketing and Event Specialist, told how when she interviewed in Morris’ office, “I felt like I was walking into my Mom’s house.”  She knew she was in a welcoming environment.

    Morris was also lauded for the legacy of people she leaves behind, the employees, volunteers and community members always ready to carry on the mission of helping others Morris so diligently had as her focus.

    Morris said her goal had always been, “To leave a legacy of excellence...It’s been an honor and a privilege to serve my hometown.”