Elmyra (McNamee) Morrison, a beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and cherished member of the Muskogee community, departed this life on Monday, February 17, 2025, at St. Francis Health System in Muskogee, OK. She was 85 years old.

Born on June 16, 1939, in Muskogee, Oklahoma, Elmyra was the daughter of the late Freddie (Hershey) and Clyde McNamee. A proud graduate of the Manual Training High School, she later continued her education at Northeastern State University. On December 31, 1958, she married the love of her life, Johnnie Morrison, and together they built a home filled with love, faith, and family until his passing in 2013.

Elmyra was a longstanding member of Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church, where she served faithfully as President of the Mission Board and as the church's Financial Secretary for many years. It was at Mt. Zion that she formed an unbreakable bond with her dear friends Dorthy James and the late Patricia Harlin. More than just church sisters, they were lifelong friends — looking out for each other through every season of life.

Her commitment to service extended beyond the church, as she played an integral role in the Manual Training All-School Reunions and the Midland Valley Community Organization. Elmyra also had a rewarding career as the Manager of Concessions for the Muskogee Civic Center for over 20 years. She was known for running a tight ship. Her sharp eye for detail and no-nonsense approach kept things in order. Whether at work, at home, or in the church pews, Elmyra never hesitated to speak her mind—sometimes bluntly, always with conviction—and we loved her for it.

Her greatest passion was cooking, a gift she used to express her love and appreciation for those around her. Whether for family, friends, or members of her community, her meals brought people together in warmth and joy.  She was also a master seamstress, creating beautiful clothes for family, friends, and clients across Muskogee.

Elmyra's legacy is one of strength, determination, and unwavering love. She is survived by her devoted daughters, Antoinette Morrison-Shade (Muskogee, OK) and Arlene Young (Dallas, TX); her grandchildren, James Shade II (Muskogee, OK), Maria Shade-Lee and husband Kenric Lee (Celina, TX), Natasha Shade (Muskogee, OK), and Taylor Young (Chicago, IL); and her great-grandchildren, Airam Ragsdale (Muskogee, OK), KaLeia Lee (Celina, TX), Kenric Lee Jr. (Langston, OK) and Tyreese Harris, of Pennsylvania. She also leaves behind her beloved siblings, David McNamee, Clyde McNamee, Fred McNamee, and Blanche McNamee, who will continue to carry on her legacy. In addition to her immediate family, Elmyra is survived by her nieces and nephews, countless cousins, and many honorary sons, daughters, and grandchildren who cherished her.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, and siblings Joyce Hershey, Velma Zachary, Erma Burgess, Howard McNamee, Billie McNamee, and Dale McNamee.

Elmyra's presence was a gift, and her love will continue to live on in the hearts of those who knew her.

A Home Going service is scheduled, Saturday, March 1, 2025, 3:00 p.m., Mt. Zion Baptist Church, 902 Rutherford Street, Muskogee, OK; with Pastor David Ragsdale, Jr, officiating and her nephew, Rev. Jerry Morrison delivering the eulogy.

Visitation will be Friday, 1:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m.

Interment is scheduled, Monday, March 3, 2025, 10:00 a.m., Ft. Gibson National Cemetery, Ft. Gibson, OK.

The family has been cared for by House of Winn-Muskogee