Martha Ann (Smith ’58) Morris, a longtime Abilene Christian University supporter and recipient of an honorary doctorate, died Jan. 2, 2025, in Abilene, Texas, at age 88.
A memorial service is planned for Monday, Jan. 6, at 10 a.m. at University Church of Christ.
She was born July 28, 1936, in Terrell, Texas, and graduated high school there in 1954. She wed ACU classmate Tommy A. Morris (’54) on June 6, 1955.
An Abilene civic leader and insurance agent for years, Tommy is a former longtime trustee, member of the ACU Sports Hall of Fame and the son of the late Dr. Don. H. Morris (’24), Abilene Christian’s seventh president.
Martha and Tommy are major benefactors of the men’s basketball program at ACU, and namesakes of its team suite outside Anthony Arena in Moody Coliseum.
“They have been among our program’s biggest fans, realizing years ago that our success can be a key to boosting the university’s national visibility and reputation,” said ACU men’s basketball head coach Brette Tanner. “But far more impactful than their financial support has been the way Tommy and Martha built meaningful relationships and took a personal interest in each of our student-athletes and coaches. They truly adopted our program and made each of us feel like part of their family.”
In June 2024, they were surprised with honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degrees from their alma mater.
“Few families have such an intrinsic connection to the university as the Morrises, and they have done more than sustain that legacy – they have deepened it,” said president Dr. Phil Schubert (’91). “Tommy and Martha have supported ACU throughout their lives and are iconic members of one of the most beloved and deep-rooted families in Wildcat history. Their sustained commitment is a blessing to our community, ensuring the university can educate students for Christian service and leadership for generations to come.”
Friends established two endowments at ACU to honor them: the Tommy and Martha Morris Endowed Scholarship for journalism and mass communication (2018) and the Tommy and Martha Morris Endowed Basketball Scholarship (2010).
Martha was preceded in death by her parents, Lamon Smith and Jo Smith; and a son, Don Thomas Morris (’91).
Among survivors are Tommy, her husband of 69 years; daughters Marka Morris Riddle (’78) and her husband Terry of Abilene; Melinda Morris Stewardson (’80) and her husband Tom, D.D.S. (’67), of Buffalo Gap; and Patti (Morris ’82) Ensor and her husband Josh (’82) of Abilene; and daughter-in-law Robin Reynolds Morris (’90) of Abilene. Grandchildren include Bree Motsinger, Emily Motsinger Sissney, Elizabeth Motsinger Lyons, Mark Motsinger, Monty Felts (’05), Tommy Felts (’08), Russell Felts (’13), Martha Kate Felts, Caleb Ensor (’08), Steven Ensor (’10), Allie Ensor, Arin Ensor, Emma McKenzie Morris (’16), Michael Anne Morris, Caroline Morris (’19 M.S.), and Katherine Jo Morris.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Tommy and Martha Morris Endowed Basketball Scholarship (bit.ly/MorrisScholarship or ACU Box 29132, Abilene, Texas 79699-9132).
— Ron Hadfield
Jan. 3, 2025