Mary "Jewell" Simmons Morse

OZARK…Mary “Jewell” Morse, lovingly known to all as Nana, entered her heavenly home Thursday afternoon, November 20, 2025, the age of 77, leaving behind a legacy of love, faith, and devotion that will live on through all who were blessed to know her.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 A.M. Saturday, November 22, 2025, in the Fuqua Bankston Funeral Home Chapel with Jamie Mathews officiating. Burial will follow in Westview Memorial Cemetery. Fuqua Bankston Funeral Home of Ozark is in charge of arrangements. The family will receive friends from 5:00 until 7:00 P.M. Friday at the funeral home.

Jewell was born December 13, 1947, to the late Mary Agerton Thompson and the late Porter Ray Simmons. Jewell was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 50 years, Phillip Morse, with whom she shared a lifetime of laughter, hard work, and unwavering commitment. Together, they built a home grounded in love and faith—a foundation that continues to hold their family strong today. She was also preceded in death by her precious great-granddaughter, Mary Parker Logan, whose memory she held close to her heart, and one brother, Ricky Simmons.

She is survived by her three loving daughters: Phyllis (Eddie) Logan, Felecia (Paul) Blackmon, and Terri Morse, who were the pride and joy of her life. Jewell’s greatest blessings called her Nana—her grandchildren Eddie (Robyn) Logan, Michael (Lauren) Logan, Jenna (Jeremy) Newton, Kimber (Kenny) Hill, Harli Willis, Dana Blackmon, and Garrett Blackmon—along with 12 great-grandchildren who brought endless joy and laughter to her days. Each of them held a special place in her heart, and she never missed a chance to celebrate their milestones, whether it was a ballgame, a rodeo, or a simple hug after school. She also leaves behind her brothers, Donald (Sandra) Simmons and Michael (Paula) Simmons.

A lifelong resident of her community, Jewell was known for her unmatched talent as a seamstress. With every stitch she sewed, she wove love and care into the lives of others. Many in the community proudly wore garments made by her skillful hands, each one crafted with the same dedication she poured into everything she did. Jewell’s heart for service extended far beyond her home. She volunteered as a Pink Lady at Dale Medical Center for five years, where her warmth and kindness touched patients, families, and staff alike. In 2024, she was honored to serve as President of the Pink Ladies, a role that reflected her leadership, compassion, and desire to give back.

Jewell’s proudest moments were spent surrounded by family. She cherished watching her great-grandchildren grow, play ball, and ride in rodeos. Whether sitting in the bleachers or cheering from the sidelines, her eyes sparkled with pride, and her heart overflowed with joy. Those moments, filled with laughter, hugs, and family togetherness, were the ones she treasured most. To know Nana was to know unconditional love. Her gentle spirit, selfless heart, and unwavering faith will continue to guide her family for generations to come. Though her sewing machine may be still and her kitchen quiet, her love will forever be stitched into the hearts of those who loved her most. As we celebrate her beautiful life, we find peace in knowing that she is reunited with her husband and great-granddaughter, and that her heavenly reward is great.

“Well done, good and faithful servant… Enter into the joy of your Lord.” – Matthew 25:23. Mary “Jewell” Morse will be dearly missed and forever remembered for the love she gave, the kindness she showed, and the legacy she leaves behind. Thank you to all of those who have loved our precious Nana with us.

Serving as active pallbearers will be Eddie Logan, Michael Logan, Jeremy Newton, Kenny Hill, Richard Mathews, and Wes Roberts. Serving as honorary pallbearers will be Aidan Carroll and Ayden Newton.