Roosevelt (Cody) Morrison graced the world on April 10, 1930. He was the first and only child born to Alex and Willie Bell Morrison in Birmingham, Alabama.
He attended school in Birmingham AL, where he met and later married Mildred L. Thornton who he lovingly referred to as "Slim ". In 1952 they were married and had four (4) children Rodney G. Morrison, Reginald Morrison, Cathy Y. Morrison, and Derrick Morrison Sr. (aka, Dee Dee Wee/ Baby boy). In 1967 Roosevelt purchased his first and only home on the southside of Chicago, where he and Mildred raised their family, entertained and met many of their lifelong friends and neighbors. Roosevelt suffered through the loss of his wife and Three (3) of his Four (4) Children, but was blessed to have Four (4) grandchildren Cody G. Morrison Sr, Derrick Morrison Jr. Heather A. Morrison and Ashley C. Morrison. One Great Grandson Cody G. Morrison Jr., One (1) beloved daughter-in-law Claire Williams and 0ne (1) beloved Granddaughter-in-law Denita Morrison, One (1) beloved Grandson-in-law Emmanual Del Rio.
Roosevelt was a dedicated employee of the City of Chicago Department of Streets and Sanitation and a distinguished member of Local-1001 as a Union Steward, where he served for 39 years, a career that began in 1954. He was the first black supervisor appointed in the First (1st) Ward, which is the downtown area of Chicago. In 1983 he completed studies in Union Organizing for County, Municipal Employees, Supervisor & Foreman, and in 1987 he completed his studies in Contract Negotiation and Labor Relations both at Roosevelt University. In 1993 he was recognized for his years of dedicated service by the City of Chicago Department of Street and Sanitation. During his career he received numerous awards and recognition for his accomplishments, for which he took tremendous pride, as they related to the City of Chicago Beautification Program, where he was appointed to oversee the city planter box project on the State Street Mall and 95th Street, along with the City wide cart program to remove all the old Municipal Trash Cans and replace them with the more mobile containers. In 1973 Roosevelt started his own business called Morrison & Sons, which at its height provided hauling services for a number of celebrities like Muhamed Ali, Redd Fox, along with political clients, until a fire destroyed his ability to continue his business. .
He was a man of deep faith and commitment, with a well defined philosophy on life, relationships, and dealing with challenges /disappointment. He would often share quotes such as; " this too shall pass, "out live it", "don't bring me man, bring me giants", "keep feeling the need to be number one", "do the labor great or small but do it right or not at all". His favorite saying was: "the race isn't to the fast or the strong, but to those that endure to the end". He was a very approachable and open person, which made him easy to talk with and relate to. He had an unconquerable spirit, which allowed him to live his life under
his own terms, without fear. He boldly pursued his dreams and followed the beat of his own drum, which endeared him to friends and family.
He was devoted to God and his church home St James AME. which he had been a member for over five (5) decades. He loved being involved in the programs and events held by the church and its members. He was proud to be part of the brotherhood, church committees, and food pantry program. In his younger days he had a deep passion for boxing and possessed the physical skill, mind set, and smooth fighting style, which earned him the nickname " Sweet Cody" which later was just "Cody".
Prior to having suffered severe mobility issues he loved to laugh and spend time with family and friends at events and cook outs. He still loved to prepare meals and spend time in the kitchen creating recipes and his own signature dishes, which he passed down to the entire family. He truly knew how to enjoy himself, have a good time, but more than anything he loved to share knowledge with others to help get them through the day and being a "Morrison".
He was preceded in death by his mother & father Alex & Willie Bell Morrison, wife Mildred L. Morrison, sons Rodney G. Morrison, Reginald Morrison, daughter Cathy Y. Morrison, and extended family and household member Katherine Turner (aka. Kitty Cat)
He was at peace with the understanding that God was in control and that his will shall be done in his divine order.
He made his peaceful transition at Montgomery Place located in the same area he started his family and career after leaving Alabama, under the outstanding care of Montgomery Place staff, and Unity Hospice care team on March 20, 2024.
He leaves to cherish his memory, his devoted son Derrick Morrison Sr, daughter-in law Claire M Williams, precious grandchildren Heather A. Morrison, Ashley C. Morrison, Cody G, Morrison Sr, Derrick Morrison Jr and great grandson Cody G. Morrison Jr., along with treasured other extended faithful family and friends who will always keep his loving memory in their heart
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