Oga NeSmith Morrison, 96, of Tucker, Georgia, died Thursday, the 20th of May, 2010 at Odyssey House in Decatur. Born July 22, 1913, in Thomasville, GA, she moved to Pelham, GA at age 12. She later married James J. Morrison with whom she had four children. Oga was employed by Pelham Federal Savings and Loan Association almost from its inception, and as Assistant Secretary and Treasurer, was instrumental in its growth from a few hundred thousand dollars into the millions. From 1932-1957, she served as pianist and organist for Hand Memorial Methodist Church, playing for almost every wedding, funeral and school function requiring music. She accepted no financial compensation from the church believing that her talent was a gift from God and this was her gift back. Oga and her family moved to Atlanta in 1957, settling long term in Decatur a year later. She was employed by Atlanta Federal Savings and Loan Association, where, in less than a year, her experience, loyalty, honesty and abilities were recognized with a promotion to head of the Tax Department. This was indeed an unusual honor for a woman in the 1950's. She remained a dedicated employee until her retirement in 1978. After the family's move to Decatur, Oga joined the First United Methodist Church, once again volunteering her musical talent to Sunday School, the Paty Class, for over 50 years. Her unique style for playing gospel music became widely known and loved by everyone. At age 92, she recorded a professional CD of 39 popular and religious songs, donating the CD’s to the Paty Class as a fundraiser. They immediately sold out and more had to be pressed for family and friends. Through the eyes of those who knew her, she was courageous, extraordinarily talented, and generous, but her humble and modest nature prevented her from realizing these things about herself. Her mirror always reflected a shy, simple, country girl. Oga is survived by her four children, Gail Tucker, Don Morrison and wife, Jeannine, Neal Morrison, Lynne Toll and husband Herbert; 9 grandchildren, and 5 great-grandchildren, 2 nieces and 1 nephew. A memorial service celebrating her life will be held at A. S. Turner & Sons Funeral Home in Decatur on Saturday, June 5 at 2:00 pm. A second service will be held graveside in Pelham, time to be announced at a later date, most likely in August. In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to Decatur First United Methodist Church. A. S. Turner & Sons
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