Paula Jean Morrison

Paula Jean Morrison, age 67, of Escanaba, passed away peacefully on Wednesday evening, July 27, 2022 after a courageous battle with ALS. She was born on March 13, 1955 in Escanaba, the daughter of John and Eleanor “Ellie” (Hendrickson) Pearson. Paula was raised and attended school in Escanaba and was a proud 1973 graduate of Escanaba High School. She went on to further her education at Central Michigan University for 3 years until her father lost his eye sight and she returned home to Escanaba to help care for her brothers. Paula then attended Northern Michigan University and received her degree in Social Work in 1975. Paula married Monte Morrison on June 4, 1977 at Bethany Lutheran Church in Escanaba. Together, the couple just celebrated their 45th wedding anniversary. While Monte and Paula’s children were young, she stayed home to care for the family until the kids were raised. During this time, Paula was very active with the PTA, attending school activities, helped run the Halloween Carnival at school, was a Cub Scout leader, and attended all of their kids sporting events. Paula would never miss a home game and Monte would travel to all of the away games. When Monte received “Eskymo Fan of the Year” it was really for Paula as she was a true Eskymo.

Paula went to work for the Escanaba Area Public Schools as a Social Worker in 1989. She was employed for 30 years until her retirement in 2020. During her career, she touched many children’s lives. Paula greatly enjoyed working at Lemmer, Webster, and the Upper Elementary. She also was instrumental in helping build a playground at every school, including Harbor Hideout in Ludington Park.

Paula was a member and strong advocate of the Youth Assistance Program (YAP). She enjoyed her annual trips with her high school friends called the “Gullette’s.” She also loved gardening, playing cards with her girlfriends, and enjoyed beach days and walks on Aronson Island. Family meant the world to Paula - her favorite thing of all was spending time with her children and grandchildren.

Paula is survived by her husband Monte Morrison of Escanaba; sons, Tom (Erika) Morrison of Marquette, Michael Morrison of Escanaba, and Nathan (Robyn) Morrison of Gladstone; daughter, Ashley (Jarrett) Winkowski of Gladstone; 6 grandchildren, Ellie, McKinley, Piper, Nora, Dylan, and Ella; brothers, Tim (Merilly) Pearson of Mesa, AZ, Tom (Cathy) Pearson of Escanaba, and Douglas Pearson of Escanaba; aunt, Nancy Pearson of Escanaba; and several nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents, Paula was preceded in death by her sister-in-law, Judy Pearson.

Visitation will be held from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., Tuesday, August 2, 2022 at the Anderson Funeral Home in Escanaba. Funeral services celebrating the life of Paula will follow at 4:00 p.m., Tuesday, in the Anderson Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Terry Frankenstein officiating. A reception will be held at the conclusion of the services at the Morrison family home. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be directed to the Eskymo Fan Club or the Youth Assistance Program (YAP). 

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