Laurenia Morton

Laurenia "Rena" Morton, 97, peacefully passed away surrounded by loved ones and care givers at Riverside Hospital on January 2nd after a short battle with kidney failure. Born in Farmville (Prince Edward County), Virginia to James and Mary (Hayes) Morton on September 3, 1926, she was the second born daughter, and sixth oldest out of ten children. She was baptized at First Rock Baptist Church in Prospect, VA. 

Rena graduated from Robert Russa Moton High School in Virginia, in 1942 at the age of 16. She then continued some of her education at Bluefield State College in VA, where she studied to be a teacher. Rena moved to Columbus, Ohio where she would later retire as a front desk receptionist and housekeeper at the downtown Columbus Sheraton Hotel at age 63. 

Rena was also a passionate gardener and caregiver. She spent most of her free time in her back yard garden raising a variety of plants, fruits and vegetables. When she wasn't in her garden, she loved watching reality game shows such as Big Brother and Survivor.

Laurenia loved her family very much and did so by raising three generations of children. She is preceded in death by her father, James Morton Sr., mother Mary (Hayes) Morton; brothers James "Jimmy", Pleas, Leon, Major, Jacob, Esaw, Isaiah and Elridge Morton. 

She is survived by her sister Lucy Owens; son Wayne Morton; granddaughter Latonya Benton; great granddaughters Journey and Jaciana, great grandson Jace, and a host of other nieces, nephews, relatives and neighbors. 

Laurenia, known best by us as Rena, will be missed by those who had the opportunity to love her, experience her sense of humor and home-cooked meals. Her legacy will live on through ALL her children. 

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