Roberta Belle Morphis "Birdie"

Roberta Belle Chisman Morphis, lovingly known as “Birdie”, age 94, of Clarksville, TN passed away on Wednesday, January 1, 2025.

She will be laid to rest at Evergreen Cemetery in Colorado Springs, CO.

Birdie entered this life on April 14, 1930, in Colorado Springs, CO to proud parents, George Harold Chisman and Izetta Belle (Harding) Chisman. Birdie was a somewhat introverted girl, spending much of her time helping with the family businesses in Colorado Springs. There were times, however, when she could be rather mischievous. The family businesses, first her father and mother’s and later with her husband, were service oriented. She was proud of pumping gas, but she also cut meat in the grocery, cleaned and serviced rooms in the motel, and was an efficient bookkeeper in both. These “duties” honed skills that would later elevate her to Front Office positions at her local church, where she also utilized her skills as Bookkeeper and Secretary.

Birdie was married to Don, May 10, 1947- rather they eloped to Raton, New Mexico- a story of which she was seemingly quite proud. Don and Birdie married for 68 years when health issues became such that God called Don home. They had lived in the same house for many years but it was remotely situated in a park and became difficult to maintain on her own after Don passed. Birdie decided to move to Tennessee, 2022, to live with her daughter, Susan, and son-in-law, Steve. She missed the majesty of the Rocky Mountains at first, but quickly came to love the colors of Tennessee, rolling hills, and easier to breathe air. She became a devoted member of Hilldale Baptist Church, and was involved with the Village 7 Formal Choir, Women’s Missionary Society, Vacation Bible School Prayer Warriors, the Widow’s Group, the 55+ Senior’s Group, and the Hilldale Baptist Christmas Store.

Birdie was loved by everyone who came to know her. She was quiet and shy, but people were drawn to her. She was the designated “Prayer Warrior” every year at her church’s Vacation Bible School. She loved the children, and they surrounded her with love. Birdie’s sweet nature won over everyone. People enjoyed her company everywhere she went. Birdie was a grand lady who will sorely be missed. 

She is survived by her three daughters, Donna Lynn Morphis Smiley (G. Dale), Susan Lea Morphis Hawk (Stephen), and Annabelle Morphis Comer Roorback (Fred); brother, Keith Edward Chisman (Florence); nine grandchildren, twenty-one great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild. 

In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her husband, Donald Kent Morphis; granddaughter, Stephanie Michelle Hawk Medley (Todd), and siblings, Dorothy Hollandsworth (Clifford), Shirley Platt (John), and George Chisman (Nancy). 

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to House of Hope, Hilldale Baptist Church, Clarksville, TN.

Arrangements are in the care of McReynolds-Nave & Larson Funeral Home, 1209 Madison St, Clarksville, TN 37040.

Online condolences may be made at www.NaveFuenralHomes.com