Last Thursday, First United Methodist Church Wesley Hall was filled with friends, family, community members and political leaders to celebrate the long life of 103-year-old Liz Morelan.
Born on April 24, 1921, Morelan was raised a farmer’s daughter in Oklahoma. She attended Southeastern Oklahoma State University where she was named Homecoming Queen her freshman year. While attending a dance, she met the love of her life, John Morelan, and they married on June 25, 1941. They had one son, James, three grandchildren, three great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild.
In addition to working for Tinker Air Force Base and Dalhart Air Force Base, Morelan worked as City Secretary for the City of Whitesboro before retiring from TXU Electric in 1963. At that time, the Morelans fulfilled their dream of retiring to Sherwood Shores near Lake Texoma.
Despite moving to Sherwood Shores, Morelan has been involved in several civic clubs and organizations in Whitesboro. She’s been a member of the Chamber of Commerce, Keep Whitesboro Beautiful (of which she was a founding member), Volunteer Fire Department and has served the libraries. She continues to remain active in the GFWC History Club, both at the district and state level.
For all of her work, Morelan has received several honors and awards. From the Whitesboro Area Chamber of Commerce, Morelan received the Outstanding Community Service award and the Lifetime Achievement award.
The GFWC History Club has awarded her title of emeritus for her dedication to the organization. Organization leaders believe Liz has brought more members to the History Club than anyone, even recruiting healthcare workers when she was once recovering in the hospital.
As a 16-year-old, Morelan grew highly interested in politics. Dubbed a political dynamo, Morelan would pass out flyers and cards and knock on doors and has helped with political campaigns for all political parties. Her impact in the community was obvious by the guests who attended her life celebration.
Honorable Judge Larry Phillips was the first speaker to address Morelan. Phillips praised the guest of honor as a matriarch of the community, a shining example of a good neighbor and a good community member.
“Liz has such a love for our community, state and nation. She gives great information and advice on political issues,” Phillips said. “I’m so grateful for Liz, as a friend and supporter.”
Grayson County Sheriff Tom Watt recalled the first time he met Morelan at a Whitesboro Area Chamber of Commerce event while he was campaigning for Sheriff in 2016.
“She grabbed me by the hand and pulled me close so that we were eye to eye,” Watt said. “She said, ‘Young man, we’re gonna run a clean race!’ All I could say was, ‘Yes, ma’am!’”
Watt said that with Morelan as his friend, he counts himself among the luckiest people in the world. He said his life is better because he knows Morelan.
“She is someone I have come to love dearly,” he said. “What I’ve learned from her has made me a better person. What I’ve learned about her leaves me in awe.”
Several other attendees spoke at the celebration, including GFWC Texas President Barbara Harvey and past-President Patty Poe, friends and family. Mayor Dave Blaylock read a proclamation from the City of Whitesboro naming the day in honor of Morelan.
Guests enjoyed a lovely reception with finger sandwiches and light appetizers, lemonade and desserts. Framed photos from Morelan’s life decorated tables and a slideshow of photos gathered from friends and local organizations played during a live performance of James Blunt’s “Monsters,” sung by Whitesboro High School Choir Director Amber Speer and dedicated by Morelan’s dear friend, Patricia Davis.
Despite all of Morelan’s awards and accomplishments, the true testament to her life and legacy was the people in attendance – from all areas of her life – who gathered to shower Morelan with love and words of praise.
“I couldn’t get along without my friends,” Moreland said. “If they can’t get here in person, they call. I’m especially thankful for Dan Eakin, Pat Davis and Bobbie Erwin. They are the three most faithful people you’ll ever know.”
When asked her secret for a long and happy life, Morelan said, “I’ve never smoked. I never drank. I eat right. Basically, I’m just a dud, but that’s worked for me!”