Harriet Marie Morgan

Harriet Marie Morgan, 80, of Tifton, passed away peacefully in the early morning hours of January 11, 2024 at Tift Regional Medical Center. She was surrounded by her loved ones as she entered Heaven.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 pm on Sunday, January 14, 2024 in the chapel of Albritton Funeral Directors with Rev. Steve Tucker and Rev. Stacy Phillips officiating. Interment will follow at Oakridge Cemetery. The family will receive friends on Saturday, January 13, 2024 from 5:00-7:00 pm at the funeral home. 

Pallbearers will be Bill Evans, Mike Evans, Tim Roberts, Braydon Kirk, Parker Kirk, Garrett Blalock, Luke Jordan, and Austin Vowell. Honorary pallbearers will be members of Katherine Sangster and Gloria Adam’s Sunday School Classes from Northside Baptist Church. Liam Stone, Kynlee, Greyson, Levi and Emory Jordan, Leyton and Brighton Vowell, and Ellie Grace Blalock. 

Ms. Morgan was born on June 10, 1943 in Ocilla, Ga. She was the daughter of Ralph Cook Morgan and Addine Haman Morgan. She grew up in a close-knit family along with her brother and best friend Webster Morgan. Harriet was preceded in death by her parents, Ralph Morgan and Addine Morgan, and brother and sister-in-law, Webster and Barbara Morgan. From an early age it was clear that Harriet possessed a passionate spirit and an unwavering commitment to education. Harriet was a certified cosmetologist. She then earned degrees in Biology and Education from ABAC, Valdosta State College, and West Georgia College. Armed with knowledge and a deep love for teaching she began her career teaching Biology at Thomasville High School. After moving to obtain her higher degrees from West Georgia College, Ms. Morgan began working in the Douglas County School System. There she began teaching at Turner Elementary School. She later moved to Bill Arp Elementary as Assistant Principal, and then became Principal at Beulah Elementary. After Arbor Station Elementary was built, she opened that school as its Principal. She would later move to the Douglas County School System’s Central Office to become an Assistant Superintendent for Elementary Curriculum. She returned to South Georgia in 1993 to be close to her family and complete her career as the Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum for Tift County. Ms. Morgan retired in 2001.

Beyond her professional achievements, Harriet’s proudest accomplishment in life lay in her knowing that her family and others around her knew the Lord. She was a proud and devoted member of Northside Baptist Church where she was involved in Sunday School and Missions. She joined her church on several missions’ trips, one to Nairobi, Kenya. Her faith was a guiding light in her life, providing solace and strength during challenging times. Harriet cherished the meaningful connections she formed within the congregation of Northside. 

In addition to her devotion to family, education, and church service, Ms. Morgan found joy in pursuing numerous hobbies, interests and volunteer work. She deeply enjoyed studying the Bible and participating in Bible studies that nourished her spiritual growth. Harriet loved to travel and has been all over the world exploring its wonders. She loved to go to the beach where she found comfort in the sandy shores and the calming relaxation of the waves. Harriet enjoyed working in her yards and flower beds. Her yards have always been immaculate and brought joy to not only her, but all who would see them. Harriet had an incredible knack for hosting family events that left lasting memories for all involved. The impact she has made on her family, community, and world further exemplify her caring nature and selflessness. 

Ms. Morgan is survived by her two nieces, Hannah Stone of Boston, Ga and Mary Ruth Morgan-Kirk of Destin, FL, her three great nephews, Braydon and Parker Kirk, and Liam Stone, also her special cousin and care-giver, Lynn (Randy) Blalock, along with Lynn’s children and grandchildren, Lindsay (Austin) Vowell, Whitney (Luke) Jordan, Garrett (Heather) Blalock, Leyton and Brighton Vowell; Kynlee, Greyson, Levi, and Emory Jordan; Ellie Grace Blalock and special friend, Barbara Ann Morgan, along with numerous cousins and friends.

Flowers will be accepted or donations may be made in her memory to continue her support of classroom teachers to Tift County Foundation for Educational Excellence, PO Box 714, Tifton, Ga 31793.