Rev. Mary Ellen Morris, age 79, of Pulaski, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, September 8, 2026, at Lewis-Gale Hospital–Pulaski.

Born October 5, 1946, in Pulaski, Virginia, she was the daughter of the late Sanders and Carrie Dalton Ratcliffe.

Rev. Morris was a devoted woman of faith who dedicated more than 46 years of her life to preaching and serving others. Her faith was at the heart of who she was, and she touched countless lives through her ministry, kindness, and unwavering devotion to God and her family. She will be remembered as “Sister Mary” by the many people whose lives she influenced throughout her years of service.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Albert Raby Morris, Jr.; her daughter, Treasa Shinault; and her brothers and sisters, Ed, Tommy, Preston, Toby, Roger, Jenny, Susie, Dreama, and Louise.

She leaves behind a loving family who will cherish her memory, including her children, Tammy and Freddie Robertson of Hiwassee and Tony Morris of Pulaski.

She is also survived by her grandchildren, Tanner Robertson and Kanani Hutchinson of Austinville; T.J. (Chelsea) Morris of Pulaski; Hannah Shinault of Pulaski; Justin Peoples of Pulaski; sisters, Liz (Danny) Akers of Pulaski; Roberta Dean of Austinville; and brother John Ratcliffe of Pulaski; as well as her great-grandchildren, Rhett Robertson, Rowan Robertson, Macie Morris, Luke Morris, Emma Nixon, and Lacie Morris.

Rev. Morris’s life was one of faith, family, and service. Her 46-plus years as a preacher were a testament to her commitment to sharing God’s word and encouraging those around her. Though she will be deeply missed, her legacy of faith and the lives she touched will continue through her family, friends, and congregation.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 PM on Monday, September 14, 2026, at the Bower Funeral Home Chapel, Pulaski, with officiating. Interment will follow at Oakwood Cemetery, Pulaski.

The family will receive friends from 1:00 PM until the service time Monday at the funeral home. To sign Sister Mary’s online guestbook, please visit www.bowerfuneralhome.com - Bower Funeral Home & Crematory, Pulaski, is handling the arrangements for the family.