Jennie Davis Morphew

Jennie Davis Compton Morphew joined beloved members of her family in "the place which is prepared for her" on December 27, 2007. Her life will be celebrated on Monday, December 31 at 10:30 AM at The Hamil Family Funeral Home, 6449 Buffalo Gap Road, with visitation Sunday, December 30 from 2:30 to 4:30 at the funeral home. Jennie was the daughter of Clary Pauline Davis and Alfred James Compton of Galveston, TX and was born in Albany, NY, On October 27, 1920. Her brother, Alfred James (Bud) Compton, Jr. born in 1923, was killed in World War II. Jennie graduated from North Dallas High School and graduated from Southern Methodist University in 1943, and married Lt. William Morphew that same year. After his service in the military, Bill passed the CPA exam in 1950 and the Morphews moved to Abilene, where he became a partner in Condley, Kinard and Company, later Condley, Morphew and Company, for 25 years. He was an officer and active in state and local CPA organizations, with Jennie always the gracious hosted and active participant in these activities. Bill passed away in 1989. Jennie was active in the community, participating in the PTAs at all of her childrens' schools, as well as serving as Treasurer of the PTA City Council. When Austin Elementary School opened, she helped catalog the school library. She loved golf, playing wherever she traveled, and hit a hole in one at the Abilene Country Club. She was a member of the Abilene Woman's Club, serving as Treasurer; Abilene Garden Club; the Pierian Study Club for 50 years, serving in various capacities, including yearbook chairman until she was in her 80's; the American Association of University Women, particularly enjoying the Book Review and Bridge Groups. She served as Board Member and Secretary of the Abilene Weatherization Program from its inception, for many years. She participated in the Big Country Ostomy Support Group. She was devoted to her church, the First Church of Christ, Scientist, serving as First and Second Reader, Board Member, Clerk, Sunday School teacher, and Chair of the Music Committee for 40 years. She rarely missed a church service or organization meeting, believing that if you were a member, you should attend, participate and support the organization. In her fifties, Jennie worked for Tri-College Continuing Education Program at Hardin-Simmons University, and while there, completed a Master's Degree in English and obtained her teaching certificate, teaching freshman composition classes. After Tri-College, she worked for West Texas Utilities in the Marketing Dept until she retired at age 70. Those were happy, productive years which she enjoyed every day. After retirement, Jennie was active in the things she enjoyed, reading and playing bridge and other card games; working crossword puzzles and reading the Abilene Reporter News daily; cooking and sharing what she cooked with others; walking her poodles (one after the other over the years) at Red Bud Park and enjoying the peace and beauty of her surroundings. She was friend to and had many beloved friends, who made her life rich and full. She loved ideas, discussing and learning new things, and keeping her mind active with all the interesting things in the world. She is survived by her daughter, Jennie Dianne Morphew; her son, William David Morphew and his wife, Marcie Dean Morphew, and their four children—William Dean, Kaycee Michelle, Austin Michael and Elizabeth Marie Morphew; and granddaughter Meagan Deanne Shewmake. Also, three cousins: Ogden Bingham Compton of Dallas, TX and his sons, Bill and family, Bob and family, and Eddie Compton; Claude (and Margaret) Haisley of Temple, TX; and Jonell Cook Hammonds of Beaumont, TX. The family wishes to express deep appreciation to Dr. Robert Striegler and to the kind and compassionate employees of Hendrick Hospital, Hendrick Hospice, and Sears Methodist Center. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the First Church of Christ, Scientist, Abilene, TX; the Abilene Branch of the American Association of University Women, for the college scholarship program for non-traditional women students; or to Just People, Inc.