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Charlie Tezell Morris
Born: 3/26/1944
Died: 10/18/2024
Age: 80
Community: Triumphant Temple of Praise Christian Church, Flint, MI
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Charlie Tezell Morris, was the second of nine children born to Rev. Charlie and Mrs. Ruth (Walker) Morris, born on March 26, 1944 in Tulsa, Oklahoma. At an early age he confessed Jesus as his Lord and Savior and was baptized at First Baptist Church. He began using what would be recognized as a God-given singing anointing that he used for his entire life.
Upon graduating from Booker Washington High School (Tulsa), he decided to attend Lincoln University in Jefferson City, Missouri on a full academic scholarship (the largest of his class). While at Lincoln, he joined Alpha Phi Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Incorporated, where he served as Music Director of Phi Mu Alpha Music. He attended Second Baptist Church while in college and was an active member of the Baptist Student Union, playing in the band. In addition, he was a member of an extracurricular music group.
Tezell enjoyed theater and joined the Stagecrafter's Acting Guild, played trumpet in the marching band, and as a member of the college choir, he often traveled to various locations in the South. His love for music led him to showcase his gift for music on and off-campus. He completed his undergraduate degree in Music Therapy.
After a short internship at a Missouri State Hospital, near Jefferson City, as a Music Therapist, Tezell relocated to Flint, Michigan and worked at the Genesee County Community Mental Health Department. He supervised the staff in teaching occupational skills to their clients. Coupled with his organizational skills and his compassion for those in need, he effectively led his team over a twenty-five year career.
Tezell often spoke of God's grace and provision in his life. After retiring from his mental health career, within a week, he was recruited for a second career by the Rose Hill Center (Holly, Michigan), a residential rehabilitation program for adults, as their Music Therapist, harking back to his college degree. He said this type of work inspired him to get out of bed every day, well beyond retirement age. For over twenty-five years he taught residents to sing, play guitar, piano, and trumpet to help cope with stress. Rose Hill's belief was people can recover with professional care to which Tezell's compassion and music knowledge directly contributed.
He was the Minister of Music at several churches in Flint, but his longest standing service was at his church, Triumphant Temple of Praise Christian Church, under the pastorship of Rev. Frank E. Gilliard. By way of their website, you can enjoy God's word and Tezell bringing praise and worship with the Praise Team and solo. From time to time you can also be blessed by him bringing the Message that given service: (www.triumphanttempleofpraise.com (http://www.triumphanttempleofpraise.com/)). He also coached vocal lessons to children at the church.
One of Tezell's accomplishments that brought him great pleasure was the release of his CD composed of songs he wrote, his cover of well known songs ("The Center of My Joy", "My Soul Has Been Anchored in the Lord", "I Bowed On My Knees", etc.), among other worship songs. But, most important to him, was a song his Mother wrote, "Glorify Thy Name".
For a number of years, he was a member of a well-known quartet based in Flint, the New Testament Singers, in which he played the keyboard and frequently sang lead. Most gratifying, his Mother and he wrote songs for the quartet. (https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=KKSgrwS697A (https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=KKSgrwS697A))
More recently, he was one of the lead soloists in The Flint City Wide Choir - When Voices Meet. He also served as a songwriter, pianist, and director.
Later in life, Tezell revisited his interest in theater and played major roles in "The Wiz" as Tin Man and "Porgy and Bess" and the lead role in "Scrooge" at the New McCree Performing Arts Theater . He often wondered why he hadn't followed a career onstage (be it community level) in productions earlier in life. Be that as it may, he found great joy in using his vocal excellence and imagination for the roles he played.
Another of Tezell's enthusiastic activities was travel as often as his commitments and work allowed. His first out of country trip was taken with six cousins that involved, flights, a cruise and a motorcoach. He was hooked. He was privileged to cruise at least fifteen times, he flew to far reaching destinations and greatest pleasure was had in attending family events.
During the night, October 17-18, Tezell answered God's call and stepped into Glory rejoining those who preceded him: his Mother, Father and elder sister, Betty and younger brother, Wendell. Surviving and remembering him with love are his siblings: Zeus, Joyce, Paula, Linda, Terry, Connie and little Charlie, a host of nephews, nieces and cousins; friends, clients and co-workers; and special mention friends Billy and Janet Marshall, Dwayne Carroll, and Pastor and Mrs. Gilliard. |
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| Visitation |
| Date: |
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10/30/2024 |
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| No Visitation |
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| Funeral Service |
| Date: |
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11/2/2024 |
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11:00 AM |
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| Location: |
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Triumphant Temple of Praise Christian Church
1601 W Carpenter Rd
Flint, MI 48505Get a Map to this location...
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