Obituary of Willis Earl Morton

Willis Earl Morton, 84 departed this life peacefully at his home in Hamilton, NJ on Tuesday, December 15, 2020. He was born on September 27, 1936 in Essex County, Virginia to the late Clem and Gertrude Morton. He grew up in a section of East Riverton, known to the locals as “Chickasola” and was educated in the Palmyra/Cinnaminson school district graduating from Palmyra High School in 1955. After high school, he married the late Bertha “Sissy” King. “Mutt” as he was affectionately known and Sissy had three daughters Bobbie, Chrystal and Angela. He would later attend Lincoln University. In 1966, someone told him that the New Jersey Department of Corrections was hiring and paying $7,000. There was no way that could be passed up! He was subsequently hired as a prison guard at the Bordentown Correctional Facility, and that would begin the lifelong career that he loved. “Mort as he became known excelled through the ranks eventually becoming and retiring as the Director of Operations. Following his retirement from the New Jersey Department of Corrections, he accepted positions as Warden of the Bucks County Jail and the Bergen County Jail, respectfully. He would then return to the NJ Department of Corrections as Administrator of the Garden State Youth Correctional Facility. Mort would say that his favorite place of business was Trenton State Prison that is where he did his time. He was one of the most respected men in the business and knew the prison operation. He also mentored and provided job opportunities to many. In Palmyra, “Mutt” was that man that did not take mess from anybody! You know that saying “don’t start none, won’t be none! He loved life, including telling jokes, listening to jazz and cruising in his BMW with the top down. After the death of his wife Bertha, he married Brigite Mitchell and become a loving father to his “bonus daughter” Aja. Further predeceased by his daughter Bobbie and brother Neal, Willis leaves to mourn his loving wife Brigite Mitchell Morton, of Robbinsville, NJ; 3 children Chrystal Morton of Pennsauken, NJ, Angela Mitchell (Gerald) of Burlington, NJ and Aja Monchery of Robbinsville, NJ; 8 grandchildren Christopher Morton, Gary McCombs, Jr, Omari, Ajani and Kinaya McEady, Kijana and Payson Mitchell and Soleil Heads; and a great granddaughter Samaria Morton. Brothers Stanley Morton of Richmond, VA, Rudolph Morton of Moorestown, NJ, Ronald Morton of Detroit, MI and a sister Carolyn Parker of Palmyra, NJ. A special loving nephew Rudolph (Rudy) Morton of Raleigh, NC and a best friend Lisa Easley of Ewing, NJ; as well as a host of other family, friends and loved ones.