Elizabeth R. “Betty” Morlock, age 86, of Meadowbrook, West Virginia, passed away peacefully, June 9, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of love, strength, and family devotion. Born, April 25, 1940, in Shelbyville, Tennessee, she was the cherished daughter of the late Charlie Bess and Aubra Watley Bess.
Betty’s life was centered around her family, faith, and a strong work ethic. She was a Baptist by faith and spent many years as a dedicated worker, holding positions at the Holiday Inn, Hills Department Store, and various factories and restaurants in the Chicago area. She poured her heart into everything she did, serving as a beacon of warmth for her family and guiding them through generations.
She was reunited in death with her beloved companion of 17 years, Ronald D. Harris; her son, Joel Morlock Jr.; her daughter, Waunona Jean Messinger; her grandson, Jeracco Morlock; and her great-grandson, Devlin Riley. She was also preceded in death by her two sisters, Kathleen Pugh and Rose Teters, and her five brothers.
Betty’s memory will be forever carried on by her surviving family, including her son, James Morlock and his wife Jeanetta; and her daughters, Rebecca Morlock, and Anetia Eagleson and her companion Juno Robinette. She also leaves behind a proud and growing family legacy of 17 grandchildren, 49 great-grandchildren, and 11 great-great-grandchildren.
Her beautiful legacy lives on through her grandchildren: Skyanne Morlock, Shanda Long, Jon Morlock, James “J.R.” Morlock, and Amber Vance; Kasandra Finch, Amanda Finch, and Joshua Finch; Tanya Messinger, Nickole Messinger, Katrina Messinger, and Steven “Coty” Messinger; Michael Morlock, Mary Sprout (with companion Wesley), and Matthew Nicholson (with wife Melinda); and Phillip Eagleson (with wife Kim) and Nathan Eagleson (with wife Carly).
Betty was the proud great-grandmother of Scarlett and Maddox Lowe; Dakota Finch, Leiland Wright, Alayna Finch (with companion Joshua Hinkle), and Future Kight; Arianna Finch and Lillyanna Dodrill; Isabella Finch; Justyne, Jolyna, and Conner Long; Caden Isenhart; Dakota Wallick, Cierra Kurtz, Jaelyn, Desiree, Haylie, James “Jay” IV, Leila, Meya, and Brantley Morlock; Tristan, Andrew, Gabryella, and Izabella Vance; Quinn and Asher Eagleson; Austin, Ayden, and Oakley Eagleson; Alexis, Niklaus, and Rowan Morlock; Alyssa and Wesley Jr. Sprout; Brayden and Deondre Edgell; Dwight “DJ” Riley III; Jasmine, Tiras, and Bentley Bianco, Alawna and Xavier Powell; and Cooper, Maci, and Mia Messinger.
Her love further extends to her 11 cherished great-great-grandchildren: Daylen Hinkle; Larry, Luna, and Luca Wright; Zy’Aire Love, Remee Grimes, and Daniel Grimes Jr.; Harris, Aubree, and Amira Wallick; and Nymir McCalla. She also leaves behind many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends who will miss her dearly.
The family will receive friends at the Perine Funeral Home 1348 S. Pike St., Shinnston, from 11am until the time of the funeral service at 1pm, Friday, June 12th, with Pastor Rita Robinson officiating. Interment will be in the Shinnston Memorial Cemetery. Condolences may be extended to the family at www.perinefunerals.com. The Perine Funeral Home is honored to serve the Morlock family.
