Rosa Ann Gray Morris passed peacefully on Saturday, August 29, 2026 at Carteret Landing, Morehead City where she had been a resident for the past year.

Rosa Ann “Rose” Gray Morris was born November 14, 1937 to David and Irene Gray of Trenton, North Carolina. Rosa lived and worked on the family farm until her graduation from Jones Central High School in 1956. Upon graduation, she attended cosmetology school in Raleigh and then began her life-long career as a cosmetologist in Swansboro. Rosa spent many years with Swansboro Beauty Salon, and she opened her own salon, 21st Century, in the late 1970’s. Her clients and co-workers were her friends and chosen sisters.

Rosa met her husband, Delma Morris, while they were students at Jones Central High School. They married on December 23, 1956. They had 2 children, and the family worked together on their Stella tobacco and blueberry farms.

Rosa and Delma enjoyed traveling, attending country music shows, and spending time with family and friends. Rosa never met a stranger, and she enjoyed finding her travel friends while on trips and vacations. Rosa and Delma were also active members at Midway United Methodist Church and in their later years at Swansboro First Baptist.

Rosa’s favorite title, Grandmommy, and beloved pastime began when she had 2 grandchildren: Jordan and Victoria. She loved to care, cook, travel, read, and play with her grandchildren. Rosa’s time with them included: walks, travel, feeding ducks, playgrounds, music, swimming, reading, ball games, and recitals.

Rosa was predeceased by her parents, David and Irene Gray; her younger brother, Robert and sister-in-law, Mary Louise; and her devoted and loving husband of 67 years, Delma. Rosa is survived by her son, Victor Clark Morris (Teresa) of Kinston; daughter Lisa Ann Morris Robinson (Bruce) of Swansboro; grandson Jordan Morris Duncan (Alison) of Mooresville; granddaughter Victoria Rose Morris Cannon (Justin) of Oak City; and great-grandsons Parker Elster Duncan, Hudson Gray Cannon, and Chandler Wade Cannon. Rosa is also survived by her older brother John Wesley Gray and sister-in-law Gloria of Trenton, NC and Walkersville, Maryland. Also, there are several nieces, nephews and cousins left to cherish her memories.

Visitation will be Wednesday, September 2 from 6-8 pm at Jones Funeral Home, Swansboro; funeral Thursday, September 3, 10 am at Jones Funeral Home Chapel, Swansboro.

To honor Rosa and her family’s legacy, donations may be made to the Delma and Rosa Morris Family Scholarship at Lenior Community College, LCC Foundation PO Box 188, Kinston NC 28502.