Morton, Joseph H. (Age 78) of Bryans Road, Maryland.

Joseph Hungerford Morton was born on October 18, 1930 in Fenwick, Maryland (Bryans Road) parents were the late Rev. John R. and Eliza Marbury Morton. He graduated from Pomonkey High School in Pomonkey, Maryland and from Maryland State College, now University of Maryland Eastern Shore. He married his college sweetheart Havannah Paulette Simmons on April 17, 1954. They had two daughters Ava Jo and Marcia Elaine.

After graduating from college he served in the United States Army and was stationed in Korea during the Korean War. Upon his return to the states, he and his new bride moved to Bryans Road, Maryland. He taught in the Charles County Public School system and was the first African-American teacher at La Plata High School. He taught Industrial Arts at the school for several years before taking a Vice Principal position at Surrattsville High School in Prince George's County, Maryland. He was promoted to the Maryland State Board of Education as Project Basic Coordinator, the state's Vocational Education Program.

He was a life member of Bee Hive Lodge #66 Free and Accepted Masons (Past Master) and the American Legion Post 170 (Past Commander). While at Maryland State College, he joined Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Incorporated. He was a faithful life member of Metropolitan United Methodist Church, Pomonkey, Maryland.

His service to the church included Trustee, Trustee Emeritus, Building Fund Committee, Construction Manager (Multi-Purpose Center), United Methodist Men (President) and a member of both the Choraleers (President) and the Combined Choir.

He leaves to mourn and celebrate his life and legacy his loving, devoted wife and friend of 55 years, Havannah Simmons Morton, his two daughters; Ava Jo and Marcia Elaine, one son-in-law; C. Bobby Gutrick, two granddaughters; Adriana Danae' and Alexys Danielle Gutrick, one grandson Phillip Watson, a loving devoted brother Richard Jeremiah Marbray (Marion) two sisters-in-law; Emily Simmons Hendrick and Cora Simmons Sutton, one brother-in-law; Plummer Hendrick, Sr.; two God-daughters Donna S. Stukes (Alphonso, Brandon, Bryanna) and Rita Tyson (Randy), and lifelong dear friend of Havannah and Joseph, Georgetta Tyson and a host of special sons and daughters, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. What a Wonderful Family.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Joseph H. Morton Memorial Scholarship Fund, P.O. Box 714, Bryans Road, Maryland 20616.

Viewing, Tuesday, June 16, 9am to 10am at Metropolitan United Methodist Church, 3385 Metropolitan Church Road, Indian Head, MD 20640; Service, 11am. Interment, Maryland Veterans Cemetery, Cheltenham, MD.

Arrangements by Thornton Funeral Home, P.A., Indian Head, Maryland.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Joseph H. Morton Memorial Scholarship Fund P.O. Box 714, Bryans Road, MD 20616.