Claude Henry Morrison, age 98, went to be with the Lord at his home in Richmond, Virginia on July 27,2025.
He was born in Patrick County, Virginia to the late Henry and Fannie Belcher Morrison. He was predeceased by just three months by his beloved wife of seventy-one years, Jessie Barnard Morrison. Also predeceased by four sisters: Ruth Bennett, Annie Pilson, Eva DeHart and Minnie Mangrum; two brothers: Amos Morrison and James Morrison. He received his education at Ferrum College, Ferrum, Virginia and Radford University Radford, Virginia studying with outstanding piano teachers. He had a passion for music and teaching others to play the piano. He taught piano privately for more than forty years. His piano teaching career began in Stuart, Virginia where he became highly successful as a sought-out professional and attracted students throughout Patrick County. Later he moved to Fairfax, Virginia where his teaching career flourished. He was recognized as an outstanding piano teacher by the National Guild of Piano Teachers, the largest nonprofit organization of piano teachers and students in the world. He prepared his students each year to perform and excel in the organization. He traveled around the country as a Guild Judge evaluating the performance of piano students. In addition to teaching, he was the United Methodist Church Organist and Choir Director in both Stuart and Fairfax, Virginia; Past President of Northern Virginia Music Teachers Association; and Past President and ardent promoter of Fairfax Community Concerts, which brought musicians from around the world to perform locally. After retiring, Claude and Jessie moved to Williamsburg, Virginia, enjoying twenty years of the culture and beauty of the area, along with time spent with family. Their final destination was Tuckahoe Pines Retirement Community in Richmond, Virginia. They both absolutely loved it there; the staff; the food; their many wonderful friends and companions; and the devoted caregivers who were their angels.
Claude is survived by two daughters: Celia Morrison, Greta Skeen and husband Greg; and one son, Eric Morrison; all in Kill Devil Hills, North Carolina; two grandchildren; Aaron Skeen and wife Rebecca, Lynchburg, Virginia, and Harry Skeen, Nashville, Tennessee; and four great-grandchildren: Max, Nora, Henry, and Emma Skeen, Lynchburg, Virginia. In addition, he is survived by two sisters: Dr. Marie Brink, Pompano Beach, Florida and Nancy Martin Laurel Fork, Virginia; his very special Godson, Robert Pugh, Atlanta, Georgia; and many nieces and nephews.
Claude leaves a legacy of love. He lived a life rooted in love, and that enduring love continues to grow in the many lives he touched, especially his beloved family.
A funeral service for Mr. Morrison will be held Saturday, August 2, 2025 at 2:00 P.M. at Meadows of Dan Baptist Church with Pastor Shawn Carter officiating. Burial will immediately follow in the church cemetery. Family will receive friends following the service in the fellowship hall of the church. Online condolences may be sent by visiting www.moodyfuneralservices.com.
