Donna Jean Morse

Donna Jean (Ingle) Morse, 73, of Ooltewah Tenn., ascended to the heavens on Oct. 18, 2021.  She was born on June 17, 1948 and was raised in Ooltewah on the Ingle family farm off Hunter Road.  She was a bright young woman who exceled at Ooltewah High School, where she was also a Cheerleading Captain and Homecoming Queen, graduating in 1966.

            During high school, she met her soulmate John Chapman Morse, Jr, and they would marry at Ft. Bliss Texas on June 2, 1967.  She then left the country life behind when they moved to Okinawa, Japan where John was stationed during the Vietnam conflict.  While there, she worked as a civilian in the Army base offices.  Their many adventures together would last for over 54 years.

            Upon their return home, she accomplished many wonderful things.  She received an associates degree in computer programming from Chattanooga State.  She had a long career as a programmer for NCR installing and training on cash register systems throughout the southeast.  She would eventually follow one of her passions and open Donna’s Sewing Studio.  For 20 years, she worked alongside Diane Reed creating and installing interior design projects, making teepees for children and her many quilts are heirlooms that will be enjoyed for years to come.   

            She was compassionate and a fighter for many causes she believed in.  She campaigned for clean energy, women’s rights, the elimination of corporal punishment in schools, and voting rights.  She sang for years in the Ooltewah United Methodist Church’s choir and the Sweet Adelines.  She enjoyed dancing with the Chattanooga Shag Club and traveling throughout the country and around the world.  Donna was a bright light and a positive force in the world.  

            She was preceded in death by her parents, James and Catherine Ingle, and her brother-in-law Steve Morse.

            She is survived by her loving husband, John Morse; her sons Derek Morse of Ooltewah, Tenn., and Dylan (Corinne) Morse of Nolensville, Tenn.; her three wonderful grandchildren Lucian, Drake and Scarlett; her three brothers Donald (Betty) Ingle, Eddie (Kathy) Ingle, and Jimmy (Judy) Ingle; sister-in-law Pat (Bill) Cox; her friends/sisters Evelyn Fitzsimmons and Marilyn Arneman; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. 

            A celebration of her life will be planned in the Spring of 2022, due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

 In lieu of flowers, the family would request that you help support the fight against cancer and climate change.

You may send condolences to the family at www.heritagechattanooga.com

Arrangements are by Heritage Funeral Home, 7454 E. Brainerd Road.