Obituary: Morris

Maggie Mae Morris, 33 of Gridley died Tuesday, June 10, 2025 at her residence in Gridley.

Cremation services have been accorded with a visitation on Saturday, June 21st, from 10am to 12pm at Duffy-Pils Memorial Home, Chenoa.  All are welcome to join the family at the graveside service immediately following the visitation at the Gridley Township Cemetery in Gridley, IL.  In lieu of flowers memorials may be directed to the family of Maggie Morris. 

Maggie was born April 6, 1992 in Woodstock, IL; the daughter of Marc and Phaedra (Leach) Morris.  Her parents survive in Gridley. 

Other survivors include her loving daughter, Marlee Monroe and sweet son, Wyatt Charles “Charlie” of Gridley, along with their father James Day; sister, Brittani Morris (Mike Hoffman) of Gridley; maternal grandmother, Janet Leach of Gridley; maternal step-grandmother, Jerri Leach of Chenoa; treasured nephew, Mikey Blue of Gridley; and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and many friends all of whom she adored.

She was preceded in death by her paternal grandparents, Donald and Lois Morris, maternal grandfather, Otis Leach; beloved brother, Wyatt Morris and cherished cousin, Joey Gardner.

Maggie was one of a kind since birth. She lived life spontaneously, never too serious, getting the most of every day possible and had the most amazing way of making you feel so comfortable, listened to, and loved even if she had just met you. Many times, in her short 33 years she was unfiltered, told you exactly what she thought good or bad, and if she knew you she would go to the ends of the Earth to help you if you were in need. These are the qualities we loved the most about her. We would be remiss not to mention her love of the color purple! Those that knew her even for a brief amount of time knew the purple passion!

Being the middle child, she affectionately looked up to her big sister Brittani for everything growing up. They laughed, cried, yelled and screamed, loved and supported each other with that special bond that only sisters have. After Marlee was born, the three of them became a trio to be reckoned with having the same special nickname for them all creating an even more remarkable bond!

She always knew she wanted to be a mama when her baby brother Wyatt was born. From that minute forward, she adored him. She mothered him from day one to the day he left us 3 1/2 years ago. They were almost exactly 5 years apart, just as Marlee and Charlie became. She loved the fact that Wyatt and her celebrated birthdays together and Marlee and Charlie would get to do the same.

As was the trio formed when Marlee was born, the dynamic duo of Maggie and Marlee from day one was one of deep adoration for one another. She made sure Marlee always had fun in whatever she was doing. They were the truest best friends. She handed down to Marlee her sweet and gentle heart along with a splash of sassiness, her love of gardening, cooking, and making a meal out of random items to just list a few. Marlee says mommy made the best food for her. They loved doing makeovers together, having popcorn movie nights and shopping for hours on end together. Marlee truly was her mini-me!

Maggie only had a few days on this Earth with her precious Charlie, but the love she shared with him was so immense! She was excited to name him after her best friend and brother, honoring his memory and life while ensuring his name will live on. 

We as a family have navigated the most unimaginable waters for the last three years, yet here we are doing it all over again. The loss we were feeling then, and every day since, we could have never comprehended would be twofold. We have so many people to thank for their unwavering support of our family in the past and now again. We could never begin to repay you all for your kindness and generosity. Our hearts are deeply touched by all the love being shared and thank you from the bottom of our shattered hearts and souls.

As her children grow, we know they will have an enormous village to guide them! They will always know mommy is up on the moon watching over their precious lives right along with WyWy and GiGi and will simply walk outside every night to talk to them as much as they want to forever and ever.

We love you Maggie and someday we all will be together once again!