Novella Morgan Obituary (1940 - 2015)

HURLOCK On July 16, 2015, Novella L. Opher Morgan passed away to rest in the arms of the Lord at University of Maryland Medical Center in Easton, Md., finally to be released from her world of suffering and pain. Novella was born on November 26, 1940 to the late Carl L. Opher, Sr. and Helen Stanley Opher. Novella was the oldest of six siblings. As a child Novella grew up on Park Lane in Cambridge, Md., and received her early spiritual Guidance at Center Street Church of God. Novella received her early education in Dorchester County Public Schools. She graduated with the class of 1958 at Mace’s Lane High. During high school she had a close group of friends but she never lost sight of her goals, with the help of God; to make high honors and not get pregnant so she could leave the small town with limited freedom for her race of people. Novella took a year after high school to earn enough money to pay for her first year of college at Bowie State. Her parents paid for her books. She was married to John Morgan during the same year and he assisted when he could. Novella never gave up on higher education. Her jobs and positions took her to nursing school; Catonsville Community College; and University of Maryland. Novella broke many barriers: the first in her family to attend college and nursing school; the first African American female member of the Women’s Auxiliary and to work in the admissions office at the University of Maryland Hospital in Baltimore, Md. She was always taking tests at the state level and passing with flying colors. Then Novella was off to Police Academy, graduating in the top eighty percent of her class. She went on to become the Assistant Director of Safety at her almamater, Bowie State College. Novella always wanted to work with the State Prison System. It was because of her mother said no and reminded her of her obligation first to her children. From the thirteen year union with John, she gave birth two three sons (first still born), Gary and Anthony. She later gave birth to her fourth son Jarrad Banks. Later in life Novella moved to North Carolina to be with her retired and disabled Dad when he became ill. He wanted to move back to their hometown. Upon moving back to the Eastern Shore of Maryland, Novella resided in Federalsburg, MD. There she attended the First Church of God. Preceding her in death are her parents and brother Nathaniel Opher, Sr. Novella is survived by three sons: Gary (Roberta) of Camb. MD; Anthony (Patricia) of Kennedale, TX; and Jarrad (Angela) of Copperas Cove, TX; twelve grandchildren and nine great grandchildren; three sisters: Geraldine (Carl) Macer of Federalsburg, MD; Judy (Everett, Sr.) Hatton of Hampton, VA; and Carmen Opher Saunders of Camb. MD; one brother: Carl L. Opher, Jr. and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, special friends and classmates. A memorial Service will be held Fri, July 24, 2015 at Refuge Temple Church of God. Where friends and family may come beginning 11:00am. Memorial contributions may be directed to Henry Funeral Home, P.A. 510 Washington Street, Cambridge, MD 21613 Interment will take place in Mt. Pleasant Cemetery in Salem.