Starley Joan Morrison

Starley Joan Morrison (Hunsberger) February 11, 1931 – November 21, 2024

Funeral services for Starley J. Morrison, 93, of La Plata, Maryland, will be held at Arlington National Cemetery on Thursday, July 23, 2026.

Starley passed away peacefully on November 21, 2024. Born on February 11, 1931, at home on a farm in Wakarusa, Indiana, she was the daughter of Clem and Maud Hunsberger (Schalliol). Starley was the fifth of six children and grew up with a strong sense of family, community, and compassion. Though farm life required hard work, she cherished it—singing to the cows, running through the fields, enjoying time with her siblings, and dreaming of adventures to come.

After graduating from high school, Starley pursued her passion for helping others by attending Evanston School of Nursing in Chicago, where she earned her nursing degree. In 1953, she married Charles E. Morrison Jr., who became a U.S. Air Force pilot and later a business owner. Their life together was filled with memorable experiences as they moved 19 times, most within the first ten years of marriage, to homes across the country. Though never one to seek the spotlight, Starley was the quiet strength of her family. Through years of moves, uncertainty, and change, she remained a steady source of love, wisdom, and encouragement. Her calm determination and unwavering devotion shaped the lives of her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, who learned from her that true strength is often shown through kindness, patience, and selfless love. In the early 1980s, they built a beautiful home in the woods of La Plata, Maryland, where they spent the remainder of their lives.

Starley’s greatest joy was being a mother—and later a mother-in-law—to her four children and their spouses: Chuck Morrison III (Mary), Mary Seymour (Bill), Sarah Demirkan (Nuhan), and Nancy Fiorile (George). However, the title she treasured most was “Mama.” There was no limit to her love for her 10 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren. They were truly her pride and joy.

Starley was deeply committed to serving others. In 1985, she became a founding member of Hospice of Charles County MD, where she devoted countless hours helping those in need for more than 30 years. Her volunteer service also extended to the American Cancer Society, and she was an active member of the Charles County Women’s Club.

In addition to her family and volunteer work, Starley found joy in life’s simple pleasures. Whether taking a quiet walk in the woods with her dog, tending her organic vegetable and flower gardens, listening to opera, reading, or hosting lively family gatherings filled with delicious home-cooked meals, she embraced each day with gratitude and purpose. She possessed a wonderful sense of humor and a heart that was always open to others. Starley always seemed to know just the right thing to do or say and offered thoughtful, practical advice whenever it was needed.

Her strength, love for family, friends, and country, compassion for others, and boundless generosity will never be forgotten.

Starley was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Charles E. Morrison Jr., Lt. Col., USAF (Ret.); her parents; her siblings, Nancy Ummel, Winfred Hunsberger (Virginia), Lois Turnock (Ernest), Margaret Kenaga (Ernest), and Robert Hunsberger (Beulah); and many cherished pets.

Online condolences may be shared with the family at arehartechols.com

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