Bishop Vester L. Morrison Sr., 94, of Akron, Ohio, passed away peacefully on July 4, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family and the faith that guided his life.

Born on July 26, 1931, Vester grew up alongside his siblings in the south, in Carthage North Carolina, where he developed the strong work ethic, perseverance, and devotion to God that would define his life. In 1955, he moved north to Ohio in search of greater opportunities and to build a better future for himself and his family.

While in Ohio, he met the love of his life, Frances Mae White, and together they built a loving home and raised a family of eight. Vester worked diligently at several jobs before beginning a career at Goodyear Aerospace, where he was employed in the Aircraft Braking Department for 35 years. He took considerable pride in his work and was respected for his dedication and dependability.

In addition to his professional accomplishments, Vester was deeply committed to his faith and ministry. He pursued theological studies in Waycross, Georgia, and devoted many years to serving the Lord. Bishop Morrison served as an Assistant Pastor under Bishop John Thomas and Bishop Dr. Langford Floyd. Through faithful service and spiritual leadership, he rose through the ranks of Hill’s Temple First Born Church of the Living God, eventually reaching the office of Bishop. Sunday School was his pride and joy, and his ministry touched countless lives through preaching, teaching, mentoring, and steadfast leadership.

Bishop Morrison will be remembered for his unwavering faith, his commitment to family, his wisdom, and his lifelong dedication to serving God and others. His legacy lives in the many lives he influenced through both his ministry and his example.

He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, church family, and all who had the privilege of knowing him. Among the words his family will always remember were two of his favorite sayings. He often quoted Winston Churchill’s spirit of perseverance, saying, “Never give up, never give up, never give up,” and he proudly declared, “North Carolina is the greatest state in the union.” These words reflected both his determination and his deep love for the place where his life began.

Vester is survived by his children, Cynthia Blue, Gwen (Nathaniel) Williams, Charnae Morrison, Angie Morrison, Vester L. Morrison Jr, Mark Morrison, and Christopher (Svetla Ganeva-Morrison) Morrison, 14 grandchildren, and 9 great grandchildren; special cousin, Alexander Cagle, and Elder Peggy Holmes. 

He is preceded in death by his loving wife, Frances Mae Morrison, along with his beloved son, Timothy J. Morrison; siblings, Winslow Morrison and Mildred McNeil "I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith." — 2 Timothy 4:7