Avis de décès de Mabel-Jean Morrison

<!-- FH = Whitehurst Powell Funeral Home -->Dr. Mabel Jean MorrisonDr. Mabel Jean Morrison, age 85, passed away Feb. 5, 2012. She was born in Laurel Hill, FL on Jan. 14, 1927, and is preceded in death by her parents, Malcolm and Amanda Morrison and her brother, James (Sonny) Morrison. She is survived by her sister-in-law, Barbara Morrison, nephew, Scott (Stacy) Morrison, and niece Debbie (Mike Lane) Morrison. Dr. Morrison led her life with dignity, honesty, and integrity, setting high personal and professional standards for herself and others.Her positive attitude, along with her work ethic and inner strength, allowed her to be successful in a variety of areas. After graduating from FSU and working in Tallahassee, Mabel Jean returned to Laurel Hill and her family's pioneer homestead in 1973 and became a committed and involved member of her community.She was inducted into the Okaloosa County Women's Hall of Fame in 1999, where she was recognized for pioneering many educational programs and leading the way for women in the community. In 2007, Dr. Morrison was chosen as the Laurel Hill Citizen of the Year, and it was noted that she "is representative of what is good and right in Laurel Hill". Education, for herself, and others, was Dr. Morrison's passion. While attending FSU, she received her degree in Elementary Education, an MA in Elementary Education, Child Growth & Development, and Administration/Supervision, an Education Specialist Degree, and a Doctorate in Educational Leadership. Her never ending loyalty to her alma mater, FSU, was evident to all who knew her, and she was the recipient of the FSU College of Education's Distinguished Graduate Award.During her life, Dr. Morrison stayed involved with the FSU Alumni Association and Emeritus Society and was recognized by the FSU College of Education as an Outstanding Alumna. Dr. Morrison dedicated her life to better education for all youth. She began her education career in Tallahassee and was Leon County's Teacher of the Year in 1957.From the classroom she rose to become the Director of Elementary Education where she developed the Head Start Program. Returning to Okaloosa County in 1973, she served as Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction, Pre-K through 12, from 1974 until her retirement in 1993. Her professional experience was extensive, and she served in various positions with Florida Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development (ASCD), Florida Association for Childhood Education, Targeted Selection, Title IV, Okaloosa Youth Services Task Force, Project CHILD, and Alpha Delta Kappa, just to name a few. Also, by serving as consultant, chairman, vice-chairman, member, coach, trainer, and facilitator for school visiting committees with the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS), she became renowned for her work in school improvement. Dr. Morrison's proactive approach, along with her ability to encourage educators to be innovative, take risks, and become involved with state and national education initiatives, enabled Okaloosa County to lead the state in student achievement. She was known as a visionary in the education field and worked tirelessly to provide opportunities for growth among teachers, administrators, and students.Never losing sight that education is for the students, she worked hard to translate good ideas into the classroom without seeking credit or praise for herself, and as she would say, "the job never ends, the game is never over, there will always be a better way to teach, a better way to learn, and we must always go ahead". In retirement, Mabel Jean never slowed down. Always interested and involved in issues relevant to her community, the Florida Presbytery, and especially to her church, the Laurel Hill Presbyterian Church, she graciously served on many boards and committees. She was well known for her thoughtfulness, and other people's accomplishments or struggles were always acknowledged with a kind, encouraging word, a gift, or a thoughtful card.Mabel Jean also continued to work in the education field as a mentor and school consultant, along with working closely in the Kids Vote, Too program, Florida Center for Children and Youth, and Take Stock in Children. In 2009, she was thrilled to receive the very special honor of a rose garden dedicated to her by her own alma mater, the Laurel Hill School.Dr. Mabel Jean Morrison possessed the ability to make a difference. Regardless of whether it was a professional endeavor, color and image consulting, a community project, or sharing in the joys, sorrows, or accomplishments of others, she was able to touch many lives in many ways. Visitation will be held from 9-10:30 a.m. Wednesday, February 8, 2012 at Whitehurst-Powell Funeral Home.Funeral services will follow at 11:30 at the Laurel Hill Presbyterian Church with Rev. Mark Broadhead officiating. Interment will be immediately after at Magnolia Cemetery located near Laurel Hill, FL. Honorary pall bears are the elders in the Laurel Hill Presbyterian Church and Bill Hurston. Special friends include her Okaloosa School District staff and those who served as elementary resource teachers.The family wishes to express their deep appreciation to everyone who helped make these last few years comfortable for Mabel Jean by providing her excellent care. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Take Stock in Children program at the Laurel Hill School, 8078 4th St., Laurel Hill, FL 32567. Arrangements are entrusted to Whitehurst Powell Funeral Home in Crestview. Guest book and condolences are available online at www.whitehurstpowellfuneralhome.com