Georgia McKoy Morrison

Georgia McKoy Morrison passed away peacefully at Transitions Lifecare on her 103rd birthday, July 22, 2026. She was born on July 22, 1923, to William Archie McKoy (Will) and Beulah Dickson McKoy, at home in Sampson County, North Carolina. The baby of four children, she grew up on a farm outside of Salemburg, North Carolina. She learned the value of hard work by necessity; picking cotton, priming tobacco, and working in the fields with her siblings. They grew up without modern conveniences like electricity and running water, and she learned to "make do" with little and prepare the best food imaginable on a wood stove.

Georgia attended Kings Business College in Raleigh, NC, after graduating salutatorian of her class from high school. She met her future husband, Neill A. Morrison Jr. (N.A.), at a local dance club. They married in 1944 and celebrated 50 years of marriage before his death in 1995. Some of her fondest memories were supporting him through college at N.C. State when they lived on campus in Vetville with other veterans from WWII. Georgia and N.A. raised their four children in Garner, NC, where they both worked outside the home. They grew a large garden to feed their family, ensuring that nothing went to waste. Georgia led the cause by canning, freezing, pickling, and preserving produce from the garden, fruit from neighboring trees, and produce grown on family farms in Sampson County. Canning jars lined her basement shelves, and she needed two freezers to hold the bounty. She was an excellent seamstress, making all of her and her daughters' clothes. She sewed at night after spending her days in the payroll department of the Carolina Power & Light Company for more than 30 years.

Georgia was preceded in death by her parents; brother, William James McKoy; sisters, Edna McKoy and Evelyn McKoy Butler, husband N.A.; daughter-in-law, Patricia Morrison, and son-in-law, Garry Umstead. She is survived by her son, Neill Angus Morrison III of Greensboro, Donald Wayne Morrison (Linda) of Madison, Susan Morrison Umstead of Raleigh, and Amanda Morrison Wallace (Dixon) of Richmond, VA; eleven grandchildren: Neill Morrison (Becca), Greg Morrison (Georgia), Katie Shelton, Sarah Walker (Chris), Tyler Harding (Pat), Kelsey Jernigan (Edward), Laura McGoogan (Will), Rebekah Morrison, Garrett Umstead (Morgan), Dixon Wallace (Abby), and Jake Umstead; and 20 great-grandchildren.

Georgia loved her family and was proud of each one and of their accomplishments. She supported their life choices, whether it was a college or a mate, she was behind you. Georgia loved the beach. She told great stories about her adventures at Caswell Beach in her youth with N.A. and his family and enjoyed Topsail Beach once her grands came along. She was a proud NC state fan and loved watching ACC basketball (except for Coach K). She was an avid reader and loved mysteries, the bloodier the better. She never missed the nightly news and weather, read the newspaper daily from cover to cover, followed local and national politics closely, and never missed voting in elections. She was nonjudgmental, accepted people where they were, and always made people feel like they mattered to her. Georgia gave good advice, often reminding us to "listen to our voice." She had a great sense of humor and always enjoyed a laugh with family and friends.

She loved field peas, turnip greens, a piece of fresh pork, and stewed apples. She appreciated each season and the foods produced therein, whether it was sweet potatoes in the fall, pointy head cabbage in the spring, or fresh corn and beans in the summer. She was an excellent cook and always made sure there was something special for everyone, adults & kids alike. You could depend on having ambrosia and toffee at Christmas, blueberry swamp surprise in the summer, a chocolate cake for a birthday, and yeast rolls for any special occasion or gathering.

Georgia was a devoted member of First Presbyterian Church of Garner for over 65 years. She was active in the adult Sunday school class and the women's circle. Thanks to her loving family, part-time caregivers, and special friends Rudy and Cathy, Georgia was able to remain in her home until she was 98.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend a memorial service at the First Presbyterian Church in Garner on August 29th, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. The family will greet guests before the service at 10:00 a.m. in the fellowship hall.

In lieu of flowers, Georgia would want you to honor her memory by making a gift, if you choose, to the First Presbyterian Church of Garner or to Transitions Lifecare, which provided great care during her final days.