Merle Elizabeth “Beth” Morgan was born on Sept. 18, 1942, in Nashville, Arkansas to James and Mary (Copeland) Reeder and passed away on Tuesday, Nov. 18, 2025 at the age of 83 years.
She graduated from Nashville High School in 1960 and continued her education at Ouachita Baptist University in Arkadelphia, Arkansas, earning her Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education in 1964.
She married Leon Morgan on June 14, 1964 in Nashville, Arkansas. They relocated to Cuba, Missouri, where Beth began her teaching career. They moved to Bourbon in 1968, and finally to Sullivan in 1970.
While her children were young, Beth chose to retire from teaching to be a homemaker.
She was an active and devoted member of Calvary Baptist Church in Bourbon, Missouri and later Temple Baptist Church in Sullivan, Missouri. She was involved in women’s Bible studies and teaching Sunday School and Vacation Bible School.
She was an avid reader, enjoyed watching and studying birds and taking small trips with Leon.
She was preceded in death by her parents, James and Mary Reeder; and sister, Rosalee Richardson.
She is survived by her husband, Leon Morgan; two children: Michael Morgan of Sullivan, Missouri and Melissa Murray and husband Joe of Bourbon, Missouri; two brothers, James Reeder and Reginald Reeder both of Nashville, Arkansas; sister, Alta Upchurch and husband Harry of Wake Village, Texas; other relatives and friends.
Visitation was held from 4-7 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 21, 2025 at the Eaton Funeral Home in Sullivan, Missouri.
Services were held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 22, 2025 at Temple Baptist Church in Sullivan, Missouri with Pastor Scott Perry officiating.
Burial followed at Bourbon Cemetery in Bourbon, Missouri.
Arrangements under the direction of the Eaton Funeral Home of Sullivan, Missouri.
