Jean Dinkins Morris -- One of the Treasures

I often refer to myself as a "born again Augustan" -- a facetious title, but one which fits my rediscovery of Augusta and all its hidden treasures. After college, I accepted a job in Greenville, SC while hubby was at Clemson. We moved to a number of towns over the next 25 years and enjoyed what each had to offer. Imagine our surprise to find, after returning 'home,' that Augusta has many of those things and more. Everything about our old hometown has been experienced with new eyes and new excitement.

I saw very few classmates over those years that we were away and I still sometimes just pass them by without recognizing them. Seeing them again is like discovering another hidden treasure.

One of the first ones I recognized was Jean Dinkins. Her big smile had not changed a bit. We talked a little about our days at Richmond, reunions, and singing with Miss Halbert in that upstairs chorus room.

Jean Dinkins Morris died on Sunday. A grandmother of six who is gone too soon. Another classmate who has been lost to us.

Her obituary from Monday's Augusta Chronicle is below.
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EVANS, Ga. - Mrs. Jean Dinkins Morris, 66, entered into rest on Sunday, October 7, 2007 at Heartland Hospice. A graveside service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, October 9, 2007 at Abilene Baptist Church cemetery with Rev. Bill Harrell and Rev. Barry Daniel officiating. Mrs. Morris will be remembered as a loving wife, mother, and grandmother. She was a member of Abilene Baptist Church. Survivors include her husband, Tommie Morris of Evans; two daughters, Debbie Atwood and her husband Rick of Brunswick, Ga., Robin Compton and her husband Randy of Piedmont, S.C.; and six grandchildren, Thomas Knapp, Nikolas Knapp, Heather Knapp, Kaitlyn Compton, Madison Atwood, and Caleb Atwood. Mrs. Morris was predeceased by her parents, Gary and Vivian Dinkins; and her brother, Wayne Dinkins. If so desired, memorials may be made to the Abilene Baptist Church Building Fund, 3917 Washington Rd., Martinez, Ga. 30907. Platt's Funeral Home, 337 N. Belair Rd., Evans, Ga. 30809. Sign the guestbook at AugustaChronicle.com Published in The Augusta Chronicle on 10/8/2007.

AAB