Obituary of Charlene Marie Mayhew Morrison

Charlene Morrison was born on June 11, 1935, in Fort Worth, Texas and died on January 6, 2019, at Benbrook Nursing and Rehab, Benbrook, Texas.

She is survived by her husband, Gene L. Morrison and her niece, Sharon D. Mayhew as well as numerous extended family members and friends. She was preceded in death by her son, Gene L. Morrison, Jr.; mother, Saddie Lee Mayhew; father, Victor Machue and brother, Vic Mayhew, Jr.

Growing up on the north side of Fort Worth, Charlene graduated from North Side HS in 1954. It was there that she met her high school sweetheart, Gene Morrison. Gene stated, “She was always such a good dancer, she loved to dance.”  They married December 11, 1958, and were husband and wife for 60 years.

On September 27,1970, Charlene gave birth to a beautiful baby boy…Gene, Jr.  He was the love of her life. Tragically she and Gene lost their sweet son in an accidental drowning at their home on April 30, 2017.

A bookkeeper by profession, Charlene worked for a building contractor for many years. In her earlier working career she kept books for oil companies on the north side.

Charlene was a petite lady with a big heart and fiercely protective of those she loved. Whether a family member or friend she was always there in times of need. These traits extended to the animal world too and especially to the numerous dogs and cats she rescued and loved deeply throughout her life.  She provided food and shelter for many a feral cat often coaxing them into her home to live a pampered life.  Any dog found without a home quickly became a treasured pet. Her husband noted, “I’ve never met a person that had so much love for animals.”

The following are the words of Charlene’s husband:  “Charlene’s illness caused her many years of trouble. Now she is resting free of such. I loved her so much because she loved all of us.  CM…that’s what I called her, will always be with me forever…and forever. I am positive she is resting with her family who are already in heaven. She was eager to be with our son, her mother and her brother….she longed to be with them. The good Lord took her at the right time to end her suffering. We will all be together some day, thank goodness.”

A special thank you to Compass Hospice and their devoted staff. Thank you to the staff at Benbrook Nursing and Rehab for their constant care. Also to her respiratory therapist, Ramon who not only took care of her respiratory needs but would banter back and forth with Charlene, making her smile and brightening her days. Thank you to Carol and Gabby for the many visits and puppy kisses and to Kristina and her beautiful therapy cat.

This mighty but sweet little lady will be missed by many. In lieu of flowers, please donate to your local human society, no kill shelter or animal rescue.