Anita "Gaynell" Morrow

Anita “Gaynell” Morrow, age 89, of McCalla, Alabama, passed away on Sunday, December 14, 2025. Gaynell grew up in Bessemer, Alabama, where she was an active member of multiple school clubs and a cheerleader at Bessemer High School. She was joyfully married for 69 remarkable years to her devoted high school sweetheart, Charles F. “Chuck” Morrow. Gaynell was a dedicated member of South Highland Baptist Church and the Baptist Church at McAdory. For more than 65 years, she brought joyous worship to congregations as a faithful member of the church choir. She was also a leader in numerous civic organizations, including the Bessemer Jaycees, Sinawik Club, the Salvation Army, and the American Cancer Society; where she was known for her grace, determination, and generosity of spirit. She served as President of Sports Club, Inc. for 13 years, contributing to the education and mentorship of young women. Gaynell attended Samford University and later served as a writer and editor at The Western Star, where she won several awards from the National Newspaper Association and the Alabama Press Association. After retiring from writing, she found great joy in decorating, entertaining, traveling, and crafting angels as gifts for family and friends. Strong in her faith and always kind, she was an amazing friend and a caring mother to two sons, four grandchildren, and one great-grandchild. In the final years of her life, Gaynell was especially passionate about leading and serving members of the Baptist Church at McAdory. She played an integral role in preparing and producing the church’s Christmas Live Nativity, helping bring reverence, wonder and joy to hundreds each year. Gaynell is survived by her husband of 69 years, Charles F. "Chuck" Morrow, her son, Michael "Mike" Gibson Morrow; her grandchildren , Samantha "Sam" Marie Morrow, Shelby Lynn Morrow, Lauren Michelle Morrow, and Geoffrey Hunter "Hunter" Morrow; her great grandchild, Miller Charles Morrow. She was preceded in death by her son, Jeffery Charles Morrow; her parents, Fred and Marie Tramell; her brothers, Charles Tramell, and Jud Tramell; her sisters, Carolyn Rodgers, Daphine Clark, and Gloria Ann. The celebration of life service will be Thursday, December 18, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. at The Baptist Church at McAdory. The family will receive friends at the church Thursday, from 10:00 a.m. until service time. Bro. Bill McCall will be officiating the service.

Anita "Gaynell" Morrow

October 9, 1936 - December 14, 2025