Mr. Anthony Osborne Morris was born December 1, 1953, the first of two children, to
the late Mr. Graham Morris, Jr., and Rebecca Moore Morris. Anthony, preferring to
be called "Tony" as he was known by friends and family, attended Hudson Elementary
school and J.H. Phillips High School in Birmingham, Alabama. He went on to receive his
Bachelor of Arts degree from Clark College in Atlanta, Georgia, his Master of Arts degree
from Xavier University in New Orleans, Louisiana, and his Educational Specialist degree
from the University of Alabama at Birmingham.

Tony confessed his Christian life at an early age. He united with Christian Valley Baptist
Church under the leadership of Reverend A.L. Lawson, and as a young adult, he joined
the Catholic Church where he became a member of Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic
Church. There, he served in a wide variety of ministries, including altar server trainer,
lector, parish council member, and acolyte coordinator. Like his mother and father, he
was well-versed in and knowledgeable of his faith and religious convictions. He later
moved his membership to Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church in order to attend mass
with his entire family, where he continued to serve in a variety of ministries, including
Eucharistic Minister and lector.

On August 7, 1982, Tony was united in holy matrimony to Norma M. Merritt, his former
wife, and to this union a son was born.

Tony worked diligently as a licensed marriage and family therapist. He worked with
many individuals in the Birmingham area and also provided therapy to many families
and children, working through the Department of Human Resources in various counties
across the state. He was well-respected for his integrity, character, professionalism, and
the quality of services he provided. He also mentored and trained countless individuals
seeking licensure as marriage and family therapists as well. He also served as a fellow and
approved supervisor with the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy.
Tony was also known for his service and ministry to minority communities, which led
to him founding a non-profit organization, Jefferson County AIDS in Minorities (AIM).
He also hosted Urban Health Matters, a cable network telecast that focused on health
disparities in the minority community. He was recently preparing to become a licensed
funeral home director.

Tony was an avid gardener and enjoyed working and traveling. One of the many highlights
of his life was his trip to Rome, Italy, and being able to visit the Vatican. His final trip was
to New York City to see the Broadway play Madame Butterfly. Amid his many travels,
he always looked forward to seeing and doting on his granddaughter who he loved and
cherished dearly.

Tony was preceded in death by his parents, Mr. Graham Morris, Jr., and Mrs. Rebecca
Moore Morris.

He leaves behind to cherish his memory: his sister, Mrs. Gwendolyn Morris Branch (Dr.
Thomas Clifford Branch, Jr.); nephew, Thomas Clifford Branch III; son, Ashley Osborne
Morris (LaSheka); granddaughter, Arianna Omari Morris of Atlanta, Georgia; and a host
of cousins, relatives, close friends, and colleagues.