Beatrice Morris' Obituary
Rev. Terry De Grace-Morris entered the Emergency Room at Alta Bates on December 28th 2023, seeking hospice care and pain management for advanced stage metastatic cancer. Terry was admitted to the hospital and remained there until they were transferred from Alta Bates Hospital to Opal Care Home in Oakland, CA on January 15th 2024. Terry lived at Opal Care Home for 7 days before peacefully breathing their last breath in the presence of their nieces Claudia and Lori on January 23rd, 2024 at approximately 3:30pm.
On March 3, 1944, a baby was born at LA County Osteopathic Hospital in Los Angeles, CA. The parents of that precious baby were William Joseph Morris, a 41 year old cook for the Southern Pacific Railroad and Grace Morris neé Gomez, a 29 year old housewife and stay at home mom. The baby born that day was named Odelia Beatrice Morris, but would later be known as Beatrice Teresa Morris.
Beatrice Teresa Morris, more commonly called Bea by close friends or Auntie BB by their beloved niblings received their RN degree from Los Angeles City College in 1968. Bea completed the Yale Physician’s Associate Program in September 1975. Later, Bea received a Bachelor of Arts degree from the College of New Rochelle on May 22, 1977. Bea worked tirelessly as a Physician’s Associate and nurse in various capacities, including caring for AIDS and HIV patients during one of the greatest health crises that our country had experienced at that time. Later, Bea answered the call to ministry, and was ordained as a deacon at City of Refuge Community Church April 5th, 1992. Bea later graduated from Pacific School of Religion in 2002 and was ordained by the United Church of Christ on January 29, 2006. Bea came to be known as Rev.Terry De Grace-Morris. Terry served as Creative Writing Chaplain at the Center for Social Ministry from 2006 - 2010 and then as Creative Writing Associate at Plymouth, UCC from 2011 - 2015. Terry continued to serve their community in various capacities over the years as a community leader, activist, chaplain, teacher, and eventually elder.
Terry was an active and vibrant member of many communities. Terry was a member at Plymouth United Church of Christ, the Jazz and Justice Church. Terry was a member of Abrazo Queer Tango, a group which fostered and supported their love of dance. Terry loved the Milonga and was also a huge fan of Lindy Hop and other dance modalities. Terry could be found dancing in a Zoot Suit or a Tuxedo and tails depending on the given day, the song, or the occasion. Terry served as a member of Committee A of the Committee on Ministry for the Bay Association of the Northern California Nevada Conference of the United Church of Christ. Terry was an activist, a poet, a dancer, a theologian, a theorist, a healthcare practitioner, a queer elder, an aunt, and a dear friend.
It also cannot be forgotten that Terry was the Domma (Daddy/Momma) to multiple feathered and furry creatures. Terry loved and cared for Muffy for many years until Muffy’s death. Robbie brought new love and light into Terry’s life after Muffy passed. Although Robbie’s time with us was short, Terry loved and cared for Robbie deeply. Terry’s story is not complete without mentioning their long-time companions Rico and Shuma. Rico and Shuma’s singing, dancing, lively conversation and other theatrics brought Terry deep joy, pleasure and laughter. Cuco, the newest addition to Terry’s menagerie, consistently put a smile on Terry’s face. Terry was particularly proud of his ability to praise by hopping around with his arms outstretched. In addition to Rico, Shuma and Cuco, Terry is survived by their nieces and nephews Claudia Jones, Chris Jones, David Jones, Lori Seymour, Roderick Nichols, Kevin West, Richard West, and Michelle Caldwell.
Although Terry's passing was not a surprise, it was a profound loss, and the repercussions of that loss will resound throughout the many communities that were lucky enough to have been touched by the incredible person that Terry was. As a community leader, an activist, a minister, a physician’s associate, a teacher, a dancer, and a stylish, straight-talking, no holds barred, butch dandy, Terry's presence made an impact on this world and Terry will not be forgotten. As we remember this compassionate, strong, truth-telling, queer elder, let us be comforted by the rich humor and laughter that Terry shared with us. May Terry rest in peace and rise in power.
A Memorial Service, homegoing, commemoration and celebration of Terry’s life will be held at Plymouth United Church of Christ on March 2nd, 2024, at 2:00pm. There will be a dance and reception following the service. Everyone is being asked to bring a plant that will become part of the ambience of the service and that you will take back home with you. Also, please bring a dessert to share. Hors d'oeuvres will be served. All members of the clergy are asked to wear their most Terry honoring clergy garb (robes and stoles) of any color and be prepared to process at the beginning of the service. Please arrive at 1:30pm if you wish to process. Those who cannot attend the service may attend on Zoom.
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81241602180?pwd=Z1ErQkpmTlBHNU02OEpPR3VYSkt6UT09
Meeting ID: 812 4160 2180 Passcode: 191821
If you can, please contribute to the payment of end of life expenses. Send donations to Vanessa Riles via Zelle, PayPal, or GoFundMe (https://gofund.me/83f003d4). Thank you!
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