Mary Belle Morrison of Onsted, Michigan passed away September 1, 2025, in Tecumseh, Michigan. She was born September 11, 1943, to Bernie and Tressie Gilstrap in Salem, Arkansas. Mary moved with her family to Michigan as a young girl and graduated from Western High School in Detroit, Michigan in 1962.
Mary attended Eastern Michigan University and graduated with a degree in Business Education. After college Mary welcomed a son and a daughter with husband Tom Chlebek. Throughout her career, Mary taught business classes at several Detroit metro area schools including Lincoln Park and Woodhaven High Schools. She was a beloved teacher and mentor to many.
After her retirement, Mary and husband Paul Morrison retired to their cherished lake home on Loch Erin where she delighted in hosting friends, family gatherings and celebrations. Mary and Paul traveled extensively, visiting places on every continent except Antarctica.
She volunteered her time to administer a pre-school, sponsor the high school Business Professionals of America club, and serve in the teacher’s union. After retirement she served her neighbors in the homeowners association and the community by volunteering with Hospice of Lenawee County and Habitat for Humanity. She also volunteered to participate in Alzheimer’s Disease research projects conducted by the University of Michigan.
She was preceded in death by her brothers Billy and Bobby Gilstrap and cousin Lynn Dacus. Mary is survived by her husband of 31 years, Paul, daughter Amy (David) Chlebek Lloyd and son Christopher (Kelly) Chlebek, step daughters Angie Morrison and Christie Morrison Thomas, seven grandchildren and one great grandson.
Mary embodied courage, kindness, and generosity. She was dearly loved by a large extended family and many beloved friends and former colleagues.
Cremation has taken place. The family will receive friends for a memorial visitation at the Marry Funeral Home in Tecumseh, Michigan, on Monday, September 8, 2025, from 2:00 to 7:00 pm.
In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes donations in her memory to the Alzheimer’s Association, Habitat for Humanity of Lenawee County or Hospice of Lenawee County. The family would like to thank the staffs of Tecumseh Place in Tecumseh Michigan and Hospice of Lenawee County for their loving compassionate care and support.