Marianna Witt Morley

Marianna Witt Morley, age 100, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, April 21, 2026, at The Waters of Kingsport. Her sweet soul now rests with our Lord and Savior in His Heavenly Kingdom.

Marianna was born on December 18, 1925, in Davenport, IA, the fourth and youngest child of Henry and Anna Witt. She grew up in Davenport, attending Davenport High School and Trinity Lutheran Church. After taking secretarial courses at Augustana College in Rock Island, IL, she was employed by M.A. Ford Manufacturing Company in Davenport. Marianna met James (Jim) Henry Morley at Bendix Aviation Corporation, and they were married in Davenport on December 27, 1956.

Marianna and Jim subsequently lived in Camden, NJ, where both their daughters were born, as well as Dover, NH, and North Palm Beach, FL. Shortly after their move to Florida, Marianna became the secretary for Faith Lutheran Church, serving for over 40 years. She was highly organized and meticulous in her duties and was affectionately nicknamed the “Queen of Lists”.

During her lifetime, Marianna traveled to the Holy Land, Germany, England, Canada and Cuba. She was well-versed in classical music and literature, enjoyed gardening and flowers, and hiked nature trails in both the Quad Cities and Estes Park, CO.

Most of all, Marianna was devoted to her family, church, friends and neighbors, and much beloved for her sweet nature. Her tender heart belied a tenacious will, and she will always be remembered for her generosity in helping others. Marianna was selfless in her care and compassion; she was Jim’s caregiver at home for over 20 years following a debilitating stroke in 1971.

Marianna is survived by her daughters Jennifer (Todd) Dougan, Kingsport, TN and Anne McGinty (Tony Funk), Kingsport, TN; grandsons Matthew Dougan (Melissa Hilliard), Austin, TX and Christopher (Pam) Dougan, Johnson City, TN; nephew Michael Witt, Moline, IL; niece Laurel (Chris) Sutton, Seattle, WA; niece Melissa Hankner, Maquoketa, IA; niece Barbara (Tim) Delf, Blue Grass, IA; and a host of extended family and loved ones to cherish her memory.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Henry and Anna; husband, Jim; and dear siblings, sister Ida Mae (Don) Howard and brothers Edward (Betty) Witt and Robert (Miriam) Witt.

The family extends a heartfelt thank you to The Waters of Kingsport, Arkridge / Asbury Homecare, and Amedisys Hospice for the loving care provided to Marianna during her final years and last days.

A memorial service to celebrate Marianna’s life will be held at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, Kingsport, TN, on Saturday, May 16, 2026 at 2 p.m., with Father Johnny Tuttle officiating. The family will receive friends after the service. Graveside interment will occur at a later date at Davenport Memorial Park in Davenport, IA.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the St. Paul’s Episcopal Church Music Fund, 161 E Ravine Rd, Kingsport, TN 37660; Faith Lutheran Church, 555 U.S. Highway 1, North Palm Beach, FL 33408; or the church or charity of your choice.