Alma Morrow

Alma Laverne "Amie" Morrow, 93, of Jefferson City, died Tuesday, June 22, 2010, at Heisinger Bluffs. She was born August 22, 1916, in Stover, Missouri, a daughter of John Adam Jr. and Georgianna A. (Skeet) Shireman. She was a 1933 graduate of Stover High School and a 1937 graduate of Orten-Rice Business College in Columbia. While attending Stephens College she worked as secretary to the President of Stephens College and graduated in 1940, with an Associate of Arts Degree. On February 15, 1941, Amie was united in marriage in Columbia to James B. "Jay" Morrow, the first assistant director of the Missouri Department of Conservation. He preceded her in death on January 4, 1956. After Jay's death, Amie worked for the Missouri Council of Churches and returned to college. She graduated Cum Laude from Lincoln University with a B.A. in English Literature. She also took courses in Library Science and subsequently was employed as assistant to the director of Thomas Jefferson Regional Library (now the Missouri River Regional Library) for 30 years. It should be noted that Amie accomplished all of this while single-handedly raising three children. Amie was known for her weekly radio show, "The Library and You" on KWOS for which the station was given a state award. She was also known for her program called, "The Library Lady and Bookworm" on KRCG TV. She made speeches, wrote book reviews and performed public relations work for the library. One of Amie's most significant contributions to the Jefferson City community was her project that established a literacy program for those 16 and older who were not in school and could not read. This Adult Basic Literacy Education (ABLE) was federally funded and continues today to provide many students in the area an opportunity to gain basic literacy skills. Throughout her years of retirement, Amie continued to serve on the ABLE program's board of directors and co-chaired the annual book sale to benefit ABLE and MRRL. Amie was also an active member of several other organizations including: Chapter LI, PEO; Chapter 14, Order of Eastern Star; Stephens College Alumnae Club/Board; President of Stephens Classic Classes; First Baptist Church of Jefferson City; and various bridge clubs. In 2004, Amie was selected by the Zonta Club to receive the Mrs. William H. Weldon Lifetime Achievement Award. This special award was established to recognize women who have achieved success in the community over a lifetime. In addition, in December of 2009, at the age of 93, she established a pilot program within the ABLE organization for 6th grade middle school children. Amie was a classic example of a woman who took what life dealt and elevated it to the highest level possible. She went beyond the ordinary to show the excellence that can be achieved through faith and determination. She is survived by three children: Wayne S. Morrow (Connie) of Columbia, Syd I. Morrow (Patty) of Jefferson City, Marcia K. Ramatowski (Tom) of Jefferson City; five grandchildren: Bryson Morrow, Jameson Morrow, J.C. Ramatowski, Amy Pendleton (Brandon), Taylor Morrow; and one great-granddaughter, Brooklynn Morrow. She was also preceded in death by two sisters and four brothers. Friends will be received from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. Sunday at the Houser-Millard Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. Monday, June 28, 2010 at the First Baptist Church with Rev. Steve Nelson officiating. Interment will follow in Riverview Cemetery. Expressions of sympathy may be made to: the ABLE Learning Center, the Amie Morrow ABLE Scholarship Fund c/o ABLE Learning Center, or First Baptist Church. Arrangements are under the direction of HOUSER-MILLARD Funeral Directors, 2613 W. Main, (573) 636-3838. Condolences may be left for the family online at www.millardfamilychapels.com