In Memoriam: Nell McCallum Morris

Nell McCallum Morris was a creative, generous, and visionary woman who loved her family, community and friends. Nell was born in Carlisle, Texas on November 22, 1938, and died peacefully at her home on May 24, 2021. She and her sister Beverly were raised by their mother Wilma Adams and grandparents Nellie and Lee Boyle in Arp, Texas. Nell is survived by her beloved husband, Dr. William T. Morris and daughter Amy Morris, granddaughter Eliza Nell Beech, son-in-law Kenny Kurtzman and daughter Jennifer Morris and niece Stacy Crawley and children Lauren and Jonathon Crawley. Nell is also survived by sisters Teresa Mattingly and Caroline Thoman and a vast number of friends she made on her remarkable life’s journey. She is predeceased by her grandparents, mother, sister, and nephew, Les Crawley. Nell was a long-time faithful member and supporter of Calder Baptist Church and Young Life and was a very spiritual person who lived her faith openly.

Nell was a fifth-generation Texan. After college, she began a career as an Official Court Reporter in Marshall, Texas. She began freelance reporting in Beaumont in 1968; and, in l984, after a 16-year partnership, established the court reporting firm of Nell McCallum & Associates in Beaumont and Houston, a successful woman-owned business. Nell was often recognized by the Texas Court Reporter Association and was strong supporter of court reporters throughout the state. From the start of Char-Nel with Bobbie Leon, she credited her long-time success to the current Nell McCallum & Associates leaders in Beaumont, Laurie Messina and Cynthia Barnes and in Houston, her daughter Amy Morris. She was a trailblazer for women-owned businesses. Nell chaired multiple committees for Texas Court Reporters Association (TCRA) organization, as well as conducted numerous seminars and lectures. In June, l999, she was honored with the TCRA’s Altruism Award and the Texas Stars of Honor in 2004. In 2006, The Texas Court Reporters Association conferred upon Nell the professional distinction of Fellow of the Texas Hall of Fame, the most prestigious recognition given to a member of the profession in The State of Texas.

Her business success was only a portion of her contribution to a remarkable life. Her interests included supporting children from Buckners, to public schools to colleges and universities. Her volunteer work focused on health and underserved neighbors in the community. Her dedication to helping others is too extensive to list. For her volunteer work,

Nell was honored by the American Heart Association as its “Woman with Heart,” and she was named to “Women of Excellence” by the Beaumont YWCA. In recognition of Nell’s service and dedication to The Women’s and Children’s Shelter of Southeast Texas and Family Services of Beaumont, she was honored as a lifetime member of the Board of Directors of Family Services of Beaumont.

Nell’s name was synonymous with The Gift of Life founded by her great friend Regina Rogers. She was serving her twenty-third year as President of The Gift of Life, an organization which provides breast cancer and prostate cancer screening for the medically underserved in Southeast Texas, as well as providing educational outreach programs regarding cancer prevention and smoking cessation to Southeast Texas. Nell was a strong supporter of the arts as well. Nell was a past President of the Symphony of Southeast Texas, a past member of the Board of the Art Museum of Southeast Texas, as well as a Board Member of many other local and regional organizations.

Lamar University was an important part of Nell’s volunteer and fundraising efforts. She served as a Trustee for the Lamar University Foundation for 16 years as well as a member of its Executive Committee. She was a past President of Lamar University Friends of the Arts and chaired the Grand Bal several times. The Grand Bal is the annual fundraiser for the Friends of the Arts, which provides scholarships for students at the College of Fine Arts. She was a past honoree of this fundraiser, and she and Dr. Morris have continued their support.

In 2002, The Jefferson County Mental Health Association honored Nell with the Julie Rogers Special Service Award, which is presented annually to persons in Jefferson County for outstanding community involvement and to “a person who demonstrated a talent to make the world a better place in which to live.” This statement personifies Nell Morris. In April 2005, Nell and Terry were named “The Neches River Festival 2005 Citizens of the Year,” in Beaumont, Texas. The Julie Rogers Gift of Life Program honored Nell with the prestigious “VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR” award, recognizing her many hours of service to The Gift of Life among many other awards and commendations.

Nell was a beautiful, talented, brave and loyal friend and will be missed by all who knew her. In memory of Nell, please consider a memorial donation to the Gift of Life, 2390 Dowlen Rd, Beaumont, TX 77706.