Leewood May Morrow was a caring wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister and friend. She left this world suddenly on July 28, 2021 at age 87.
She was born to John and Hattie Cooper on June 27, 1934, raised in Roanoke Virginia; the oldest of 10 children, she was educated in Roanoke’s Public Schools system and attended Lucy Addison High School. After graduating from high school, Leewood chased her dream to become a teacher. Later, she attended Cuyahoga Community College. Leewood began her teaching career with the Cleveland Public school district as an elementary educator, where she worked at many schools both at the elementary and secondary levels. She retired from the Cleveland Public school after 30 years of service.
She met a dashing young man while cleaning her parent’s yard, named James Morrow. James P. Morrow Sr. and Leewood were married on April 12, 1958 and he preceded her in death on October 16, 2012. Together, they had 4 children: Leewood Von, (deceased), James Pressley Jr. Renita Evelyn, and Hattie Jeanette
Leewood was a dedicated mother first and foremost. She treasured her children and embraced every moment with them. She especially loved her role as Grandma. She had a vivacious personality and always made people around her laugh. She made friends everywhere she went, and her students loved her as well.
Our mom was the strongest woman we’ve ever met. She wasn’t afraid of anyone or anything. She was a fierce “Mama Bear”. There are stories I can tell you — like the one, when she saw a boy kissing one of her daughters. My mother blew through the kitchen door like a tornado. I think that boy is still running from my mom.
Her life was a living example of her favorite Bible verse, Ephesians 4:32 — “And be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving one another, just as God also forgave you in Christ.”
Leewood is survived by her 3 children, James Jr., Renita and Hattie; brother, Glen; sisters, Evelyn(John), Lois(Lewis), Odessa(Cornelius), Alice(Harry) and Elizabeth(Bill); 6 grandchildren, Anthony, Christopher, Rashawn, Gina, Johnny and Angele; 3 great-grandchildren, King, Raven and Jaron. Leewood is preceded in death by her siblings, Margaret(Francis), Mary Francis(Melvin) and Gene(Vanessa); and many nephews, nieces, and friends , all whom she loved and touched deeply.