Dorothy Clarice Morrison

Dorothy Clarice Braker Morrison, 90, of Oklahoma City, passed away peacefully at home on September 17, 2026. A woman of sharp intellect, deep grace, and boundless civic energy, Clarice was devoted to her family, her church, and the cultural heartbeat of Oklahoma City. Whether she was analyzing a complex gallery canvas, stepping into a community stage production, or solving the daily newspaper crossword puzzle or cryptoquote, she lived with intentional curiosity. Clarice was born in Ponca City in 1936, and graduated from Ponca City High School in 1954. She attended Oklahoma City University where she was a voice major and a proud member of Gamma Phi Beta sorority. She remained active in her sorority for decades and served in several offices locally and internationally. At OCU she met Richard “Dick” Morrison, whom she married in 1956. Following Dick’s graduation and military service training near Williamsburg, Virginia, the couple returned home to Oklahoma City, building a 67-year marriage grounded in deep shared love and devotion, family, and community leadership until Dick’s passing in 2024. Clarice was also active in the business community. She served as President of Freightlink Corp. and as Corporate Relations Director of Commercial Warehouse Co. Clarice was appointed Guardian Advisory Chair for the National Association of Independent Business, and later was appointed by Governor Frank Keating to serve on a Task Force to create business development plans for Oklahoma.

For nearly 70 years, Clarice and Dick were pillars of Crown Heights Christian Church, cherishing a tight-knit community of lifelong friendships. Clarice has been a Sunday School Teacher, a Deacon, an Elder, and Vice-Chairman of the Congregation. She also served as Moderator for the Oklahoma Region and a member of the Board of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). Clarice was equally dedicated to the P.E.O. sisterhood, actively championing its mission of advancing educational opportunities for women. Art and civic storytelling were also a large part of Clarice’s signature legacy. She performed in the Junior Hospitality Club’s Fabulous Follies, served on the Festival of Arts Planning Committee for 3 years, helped bring melodramas to life through the Arts Council of Oklahoma City’s Pink Pony tradition, and lent her leadership and governance vision as Treasurer of the Oklahoma City Repertory Theatre (CityRep) during its formative years. Clarice appeared in Lyric Theater’s Chicago, Guys and Dolls, and several other productions. She served as President of Lyric Theater Guild, and served on the Lyric board for 17 years. Her passion for visual arts shone brightly as a volunteer docent and dedicated patron of the Prix de West at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum, where she formed lasting bonds with contributing western artists by serving as Chairman of the Gallery Hosts Committee. Clarice also held positions on the Board of Directors of the OKC Orchestra League, served 3 years as the Chairman of the Buttram Strings Competition, and 4 years as the Chairman of the Meinders Piano Competition. Later in life, Clarice channeled her pride in Oklahoma City’s modern skyline and corporate heritage as an enthusiastic volunteer tour guide at the Devon Energy Center. Clarice is survived by her sons, Brad, Chris, Lee, and Kyle, and her beloved granddaughters, Samantha (Sami) and Lillian (Lily), who carry forward her warmth, elegance, and loyalty to family. A combined service for Clarice and Richard Morrison will be held at 2:00pm on December 3rd, 2026 at Crown Heights Christian Church in Oklahoma City. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be sent to the P.E.O. Educational Foundation.