Alice Dorothy “Fern” Morris, 80, died peacefully Oct. 24 surrounded by family at her home in Gordonsville.

Fern was born Feb. 14, 1942 in Corner Brook, Newfoundland, Canada, the eighth of 10 children of Fred and Sarah House. Though she left home at age 20, she remained a proud “Newfie” her entire life.

Fern joined the Arlington County (Va.) Police Department as a crossing guard in 1973 and worked her way up the ranks to supervisor, running the crossing guard and special events units. She retired in 2004 after 31 years of service.

She was a beautiful and kind soul who was able to carry on a conversation with anyone. To her, strangers were friends she had not met yet. Her garden was the envy of her neighbors. She had a vast knowledge of plants and birds. The feeders and trees in her yard bustled with activity.

She loved to travel and visited many countries. She was a longtime member of St. George's Episcopal Church in Arlington, where she was a loyal volunteer in the food pantry.

Her greatest love was her family, both immediate and extended, as well as countless friends she loved as family. Selfless and giving, she was even in her final days more concerned with the needs of others than with her own.

She is survived by three children: Eddie Miller (Debbie) of Norfolk, Virginia; Michael Miller (Sesi) of Bealeton, Virginia; Carrie Ann Gonzales (Jon) of Louisa, Virginia; Six grandchildren: Jason Miller, of Gordonsville and his girlfriend Michelle; Chelsea Van Horn (Andy), of Louisa, Virginia; Keith Miller, of Bealeton, Virginia; Daniel Miller, of Cincinnati, Ohio and his girlfriend Jenna; Steve Miller, of Bealeton, Virginia; and Brenna Miller of Virginia Beach, Virginia and her boyfriend Mike, three great-grandchildren: Yaniya, Riley, and Avery, as well as her beloved sister Linda Waynick, and brother-in-law Tony Waynick of Winthrop Harbor, Illinois; daughter-in-law Karen Foiles (Marc) of Norfolk, Virginia; as well as many nieces and nephews, most especially her dear niece Paula Principino, who lovingly cared for her in her last weeks.

She was predeceased by her husband of 32 years, Richard Morris; great-granddaughter Emory; four sisters and four brothers, as well as her first husband, Eddie Miller.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in her honor to Return to Zero: HOPE, a nonprofit organization which provides support to people who have experienced loss on their journey to parenthood. Donation information can be found here.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday, December 17, 2022, at St. George's Episcopal Church, 915 N. Oakland Street, Arlington, Virginia 22203.  Interment will be at a later date at Arlington National Cemetery.

Preddy Funeral Home of Gordonsville is assisting the family.