A 100th birthday open house for Bettina “Betty” Morris of Chenoa is set for Saturday, April 27 from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. at the Chenoa United Methodist Church fellowship hall.
Her children are hosting the event and cards can be sent to 714 Sheridan Street in Chenoa.
Born to Robert and Genevieve Brim on April 29, 1924, Betty was raised in Perry, Illinois, the second of three children. She graduated from Perry High School in 1942 and Illinois College in 1946 with a Biology degree. Miss Brim came to Chenoa 78 years ago to teach at the high school where she was a high school biology teacher for 23 years. She also served as the American Field Service advisor for 16 years and was a class sponsor. Betty retired in 1986 and all of her children became teachers.
Betty married Virgil Morris on August 10, 1947 in Perry and they were married 52 years. Their children include Carol (Loren) Blackfelner of Canton, Jennifer (Bruce) Beal of Canton, Wendy (Richard) Hawickhorst of Teutopolis, Jonathan (Teresa) Morris of Franklin and Amy (Galen) VanVleet of Chenoa. There are eight grandchildren, sixteen great grandchildren and one great-great grandchild.
Both Betty and Virgil were honored in 1993 as Mr. and Mrs. 4th of July in Chenoa for their dedication to the community. Betty was honored as Chenoan of the Year in 2004 for her service.
An avid reader, Better enjoys reading at least a few books a week and stays current on events along with the sciences and environmental concerns. She has always been interested in history and preserving historical information. Betty edited “Chenoa’s Pickings of the Past and More” for the Chenoa Sesquicentennial Celebration in 2004 and wrote a column for the local newspaper.
Since 1949, Betty has been a member and past secretary, president and treasurer of the Arts and Travel Club. She is also a member and former program chair of the Chenoa Historical Society, member and past president of Chenoa Women’s Club, and a member of the Chenoa United Methodist Church.
Betty was the Chenoa Girls 4-H Club leader for 37 years and a previous Chenoa library trustee. She volunteered at Meadows Mennonite Church and was previous docent at the Matthew T. Scott House in Chenoa.
