Dolores H. Morgan

October 25, 1919 - December 17, 2018

Dolores Parker Morgan, 99, passed away on December 17th after a long illness.

Dee was known for her outstanding career as a Big Band Jazz vocalist with the Duke Ellington Orchestra, the Earl “Fatha” Hines band and the Fletcher Henderson band.

She retired from singing in 1956, when she moved to Akron with her husband, Dr. E. Gates Morgan, and daughter, Dr. Melodie Morgan-Minott,

Thirty years later, at the age of 68, she came out of retirement to dedicate a musical scholarship to Kent State University. Her career experienced a resurgence as she performed with several local orchestras and bands, which include: The Akron Symphony Orchestra, The Cleveland Jazz Orchestra, (under the leadership of Roland Paolucci, Jack Schantz and Paul Ferguson), The Kent State University Jazz Ensemble, The Kent State University Gospel Choir, Ernie Krivda and the Fat Tuesday band, The Nuff Rey band, The United States Air Force Band, and keyboardist Rock Wehrmann, to name a few.

She mentored many upcoming young singers, and participated in several charitable organizations, including the Greater Akron Musical Association, The Ohio Ballet, and was President of the Summitt County Women’s Auxiliary Board.

Known for her superb fashion sense, she was honored permanent status in The Beacon Journal’s Best Dressed Hall of Fame.

Preceded in death were her husband, Eldridge Gates Morgan, MD; brother, Sydney Parker; and parents, Joseph and Mabel Parker.

She is survived by her daughter, Melodie Morgan-Minott, MD; son-in-law, Howard B. Minott MD; sisters-in-law, Mrs. Naomi Barr, Mrs. Joyce Banks; nephew, Sydney Blaine Parker; loving extended family by marriage, Madge and Basil Minott, and numerous “surrogate” daughters, including Dr. Linda Walker-Angotti, Mrs. Carla Davis, Ms. GailMarie Fort, and Mrs. Robin Marston.

A celebratory concert in her honor will be held in the late spring, 2019, commemorating her life. Details to follow, and all will be welcome.

Should you choose, please direct any contributions to THE DOLORES PARKER MORGAN SCHOLARSHIP FUND. Visit the website https://www.kent.edu/advancement, or call 330-672-2222, or send a check to the Kent State University Foundation, 350 S. Lincoln Street, P.O. Box 5190, Kent, Ohio 44242-0001. Use the Reference Fund # 21349.

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Dolores Parker Morgan, 99, passed away on December 17th after a long illness. Dee was known for her outstanding career as a Big Band Jazz vocalist with the Duke Ellington Orchestra, the Earl “Fatha” Hines band and the Fletcher Henderson band. She retired from singing in 1956, when she moved to Akron with her husband, Dr.Continue Reading

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The world has lost a true lady of great beauty, talent and graciousness. What a blessing it has been to know and work with her. She and Roland Paolucci are together again. What wonderful music they must be making.

My husband and I would like express our sincere sympathy to the family and friends of your beloved Dolores. Although we hadn’t had the opportunity to meet Dolores personally we do understand the pain of losing one so dear to our hearts. We would like to share with you comfort we have experienced from Gods word found in 2 Corinthians 1:3,4. Our Heavenly Father is truly a wonderful source of comfort, for he is always there for the broken hearted and he truly cherishes you, especially now in your time of sorrow. ( Psalm 34:18, 1 Peter 5:7) Please take a few moments, share your memories with those who surround you, for the memories shared are the ones most truly cherished, may they bring you comfort and peace as you begin to heal. Take care of yourselves and each other during this very difficult time.

Dee was a wonderful lady. I was privileged to know her both in the musical world and as a doctor's wife. She touched many people during her many years with us.

My favorite singer of all time and a special family friend all my life. Your beautiful spirit will be missed. It was such an honor to have you serenade my late husband Vern and I on our wedding day July 4, 1992 especially giving up holiday time with your family. Love and miss you. Laura (aka Lolly)

The greatest thrill of my theatrical life was getting to sing and perform with Dee in the musical "Divas, Dames and Dolls" at what is now Shaw JCC in Akron. Learning so much from her approach to the music, her stagecraft, how she connected with the audience was a rare gift. Dee was so generous with her gentle coaching when asked, pure graciousness and kindness. What a grand lady she was! What an incredible life she lived. Melodie and Howard, my thoughts and love go out to you.

Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.

I rembember working as a contractor at her and husband home several years she was very kind a gracious to me and my coworkers. I had one occasion to step into her home . Mostly our work was outside. As I entered her foyer I saw a wall with many top celebrities who were in show business. And she was photographed with all of them. For a lady who was very famous she was quite humble and kind. May God bless her and keep her.

Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.