Morrie Stovall

MORRIE STOVALL was born in Mississippi on June 25, 1944, to Edith and N.F. Stovall, who, along with a village of aunts, raised and reared her with lessons of wisdom that would become the cornerstone of her life.

Following her father’s job with the railroad company, Morrie moved to St. Louis, MO, with her family as a young girl.

From an early age, Morrie displayed a remarkable, determined spirit. Her laugh was contagious, and her energy was infectious. The fifth of six children, Morrie was fearless—never one to back down from what she believed was right, and always moving to the beat of her own drum. Deeply fond of music, movies, and family, Morrie’s fashionable sense of style, vibrant moves on the dance floor, and her love for cooking made her the life of every party.

After attending St. Louis Public Schools, she graduated from Hadley Tech School, later earning credentials in business and cosmetology. A creative mind, Morrie learned quickly, mastering many trades and leading with an entrepreneurial vision. For decades, Morrie dedicated her life to serving others—from culinary roles to helping connect countless people to employment, community, and other resources.

Morrie also found joy in helping young people build their confidence. She merged her love for modeling with her passion for youth empowerment, forming the Sophisticated Ladies modeling troupe and coordinating several fashion shows and dance performances for her grandchildren’s elementary schools. A gifted storyteller and artist, she occasionally wrote poems and short stories, and created skillful sketches in her free time.

Proud and independent, Morrie raised her three children—Robin, Ronnie, and Roshelle—as a single mother. She instilled the same fire in each of them, teaching them to stand up for themselves and use their voices despite the challenges. But most importantly, she taught them the power of prayer. While she regularly attended church with her mother as a child, Morrie found more comfort in scripture and private prayer sessions. Before her passing, she recommitted to the church under the pastoring of her nephew, Anthony Griffin.

The birth of her first grandchild renewed her light, providing a youthfulness that stayed with her throughout her later years. Remembered by a home that smelled of cornbread, her enthusiasm for blues music, and her funny life stories and anecdotes, those who called her “Granny” carry on her legacy.

Morrie Stovall passed away peacefully at home on April 16, 2025, in the comfort of family. While her parents, Edith and N.F., and her siblings—Mary, Nelson “Buddy,” Joe, Louise, and Roosevelt “Baby Roo”—preceded her in death, Morrie is survived by her children, Robin, Ronnie, and Roshelle; grandchildren, Whitney, Brittney, Ronnie, Jordan, Angela, K’nes, and Darius; great-grandchildren, Brielle and Ezra; and a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Thank you to the woman who made us all who we are today.