Phyllis Morales

Phyllis Elenora Morales met Jesus on June 14, 2020, after contracting COVID-19. She was born August 22, 1933 in Knight, Louisiana to Lonnie Burrell Blackmon and Vina McCurley Blackmon. She was the oldest child with two younger sisters and three younger brothers. Both parents and sisters Chris Cabra and Evelyn Hinson preceded Phyllis in death. Phyllis was later lovingly known as Mom and Grandmaw or Grandma.

Phyllis graduated from Evans High School on May 6, 1952. Following graduation, she moved to Oklahoma City to attend Business School. She later attended Texas City Night School to gain additional business skills. She used her education while working at Texas City National, Guaranty Federal, and the Diet Center.

During a momentous visit to Houston, Texas to visit close friend Maxine, Phyllis met a handsome sailor and fell in love. On July 25, 1955, Phyllis married Harold Joseph Morales at Saint Joseph’s Church in De Ridder, Louisiana. They remained faithful servants of each other for over 62 years until he preceded her in death. Together, Harold and Phyllis created three loving children, Cheryl Lasneske and husband Pete, Mike Morales and wife Cristan, and Karen Morales; grandchildren, Shana Loterbauer and husband Craig, Holly Hurst and husband Will, (Joy Morales) Wendy Comfort and husband Ryan, Chad Morales and wife Brittani and Kaylee and Isabella Morales; nine great-grandchildren, Jacob, Abby, Bryce, Casen, Tye, Hudson, Rylee, Kipton and Finnley. She is also survived by her brothers, Lonnie “Buck” Blackmon and wife Judy, James Blackmon and wife Rhonda, and Dale Blackmon and wife Sherry.

Although Phyllis did work outside of the home, she spent much of her married life as a homemaker and dedicated overseer of her children’s activities. She happily served as both a Girl Scout Leader and a Cub Scout Den Mother. Most passionately and reverently, she served many years as a Sunday School Teacher. While her dedication to motherhood was obvious, the true lights of her adult life were her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. In addition to attending their myriad academic, athletic, and artistic activities, Phyllis most enjoyed camping with the children. As the years progressed, it was often Harold who participated in the most active pieces of the adventure, but Phyllis was the stalwart face at the campground!

While attending high school, Phyllis received the American Legion School Award. The award recognized Phyllis’ high qualities of Honor, Courage, Scholarship, Leadership, Service, Companionship, and Character. Phyllis continued to demonstrate these qualities throughout her life. Most remarkably, however, Phyllis strongly embraced her reliance on God and her close personal relationship with His Son. Phyllis’ innate qualities, faith, ever faithful husband and children, and the loving care of the Ashton Park Care Center helped her to fight the greatest challenge of her life--Alzheimer’s. Although her memory faded, those who love her will always remember Phyllis as a gentle soul, humming hymns and recognizing the good in everyone.

Pallbearers for Phyllis’ service include Pete Lasneske, Mike Morales, Craig Loterbauer, Will Hurst, Ryan Comfort, and Chad Morales.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association via www.alz.org.