SHARON ‘ELAINE’ MORRISON SCHWARTZ
Sharon “Elaine” Morrison Schwartz, devoted and beloved mother and grandmother, entered God’s Kingdom on Thursday, Dec. 30, 2021.
To those who lovingly prayed for Elaine and her family during her recent heart surgery and attempted recovery, thank you from the bottom of our hearts. Your prayers sustained us during this difficult time. We express our sincere gratitude to her medical team at Houston Methodist’s Cardiovascular ICU, who worked tirelessly and with such compassion during her last days. Though we longed for her healing to be here with us, we know that she now has complete healing and is in the presence of her savior.
Elaine was born Oct. 23, 1951, in Houston to Oween Kennedy Morrison, (Groveton) and William Lenwood Morrison, (Lufkin). The family relocated to Humble in 1958. As the youngest of four children, Elaine had a memorable and loving childhood. From caring for their pets and farm animals (especially Nutbucket and Quack Quack) to shenanigans with her siblings and cousins, Elaine’s early years were funfilled. Elaine was truly a “jillof-all-trades,” thanks to learning many skills alongside her parents, such as bookkeeping, sewing, mechanics, gardening and hairstyling.
Elaine’s faith—and God’s faithfulness to her—are the legacies she leaves. Raised in a Christian home, Elaine prioritized being and active member in her church community throughout her life. She participated in choir and hand bell choir, taught Sunday School, helped in children’s and student ministries, supported the hand bells and music ministries, volunteered in the Apples of Gold women’s ministry and faithfully attended services in person and online later in her life. She instilled her Christian faith in her daughters and shares that same faith with her grandchildren. Elaine’s faith and trust in Jesus as Lord never wavered, even though her battle with cancer and more recent heart conditions. We find comfort and peace in knowing that she is now in her Heavenly Home.
Family was Elaine’s greatest joy! While her daughters were young, she filled the home with love, made-up songs and laughter. Elaine loved crafting and decorating for the holidays with her girls. She was always welcoming to friends and neighbors, no matter the hour, and made sure that no one left hungry. Elaine was supportive of her daughters’ interests and individuality and never missed and extracurricular activity or recital. No one was better suited to be a grandmother than Elaine! She was “Grandma Lane” to Stone and “Gramsie” to Mila and Alden, but to all her grandchildren, she was caring, fun and doting She passed along her loves of gardening, reading and music to her grandkids. If her family was her greatest delight, Elaine’s puppies were a close second. She rescued many dogs throughout her life, always believing in love and second chances.
Always an avid reader, and lifelong learner, Elaine was studious throughout her education. She graduated from Humble High School in 1969, Sam Houston State University with a degree in Child Development in 1972 and obtained her master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction from The University of Houston in 1975. Elaine completed 91 hours of doctoral coursework in education at Texas A&M University and was invited to participate in grant work at Rice University, Ashland University, James Madison University and Monticello-Stratford Hall.
Throughout her career, Elaine strived to foster educational opportunities for others. She was instrumental in the accreditation of St. John Lutheran Preschool, where she was served as director. Elaine shared her passion for United States history, as she taught at Hamilton Elementary, Langham Creek High School and Cy-Fair College. Her students regarded her as a sweet and wonderful teacher, and her colleagues described her as caring, compassionate and respected. Elaine received many awards throughout her career, most notably the Cy-Fair council for the 2004 Social Studies High School Teacher of the Year Award, the Gilder-Lehrman Award, and the Preserve American History 2005 Teacher of the Year Award, presented by Governor Rick Perry.
Elaine is survived by her children, Alanna Dissake and Lauren Bortnem and husband Brett; Her grandchildren, Stone Dissake and Mila and Alden Bortnem; her sister, Kathleen Brown and husband Larry; former spouse, Edward Schwartz; aunt, Christine Kennedy; and numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, grandnieces, grandnephews and a great-grandnephew.
Elaine was preceded in death by her mother, Oween Morrison; her father, William Lenwood; and her older brothers, Kenneth O. Morrison and Marvin L. Morrison.
A Celebration of Life Service will be conducted at 11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 8, at Salem Lutheran Church in Tomball.
