Arulah L. Morris

Arulah “Star” Lane - Morris was born on August 20, 1948, in Foxworth, Mississippi, to the late Reverend N.V. Matthews and Missionary Rita J. Matthews. She received her early education at Marion Central in Columbia, Mississippi and later proudly earned her GED in 2001.

In 1965, Arulah met and married the love of her life, Billy J. Lane. Shortly after their marriage, they moved to Mobile, Alabama, and later to Wilmington, Delaware. Together, they sought to build a better life for themselves and their growing family. From this union, five children were born: Jacqueline, Billy Jr., Kathy, Deneice, and Shirlena.

Arulah was a hardworking woman who took pride in providing for her family. She worked for DuPont and ICI, where she received various types of training throughout her career. She later worked for The Opportunity Center in Wilmington, Delaware, where she supervised and trained employees on various projects serving people with disabilities. Arulah retired at the age of 55.

As life changed for this beautiful woman, so did her personal circumstances. In time, she met and married Gregory Morris, and her life and relationship grew to include him as a meaningful part of her journey.

Arulah was a woman whose presence could never be missed. She was full of laughter, caring, loving, and, as those who knew her best would say, a little sassy. You never had to wonder what Arulah was thinking, honest, expressive, and always true to herself. She had a special way of making people feel loved and valued. Her hugs made you feel so special and loved, and her embrace was something you never forgot. Her laughter, warmth, personality, and unmistakable spirit brought joy to the lives of those around her and created memories that will be treasured forever.

Arulah enjoyed the simple things that brought her peace and happiness. She loved listening to Joel Osteen and Joyce Meyer and enjoyed crossword puzzles, drawing, coloring, and playing Sudoku.

Arulah accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as her Savior at an early age, and her faith remained a meaningful part of her life throughout her journey. In Mississippi, she was a member of Mt. Zion Baptist Church. After moving to Delaware, she became a member of New Pentecostal United Holiness Church under the leadership of the late Pastor Lavina Dickerson. For more than 20 years, Arulah was a devoted member of Christian Growth Ministries (CGM), under the leadership of her son and daughter-in-law, Bishop Billy J. Lane, Jr. and Pastor Charmayne Lane. At CGM, she was affectionately known as “Mom Morris” and was loved by the church family. Her faith and her church family were an important part of her life, and she remained connected to CGM for more than two decades.

A Life Remembered

Arulah was preceded in death by, her daughter, Jacqueline Lorraine Lane, her parents Reverend N.V. Matthews and Missionary Rita J. Matthews; her grandparents, June and Elizabeth Matthews, Fred James, and Ollie and Bessie James; her brothers, Daniel, Larry, and Emerson Matthews; and her sisters, Reada Mae Luter and Audrey Liverman.

Arulah leaves to cherish her memory her beloved children, Bishop Billy J. Lane, Jr. and his wife, Pastor Charmayne; Minister Kathy Laws and her husband, Elder William; Evangelist Deneice Lane; and Shirlena Smallwood; 17 grandchildren and her great-grandchildren.

She will also be lovingly remembered by her siblings, Mary Josephine Sneed, Reverend Mark Matthews, Reverend Terry (Monica) Matthews, Timothy (Rosalyn) Matthews, Sherry Riddock, Johnny (Toni) Matthews, and Evangelist Mary Matthews; along with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family, and her beloved Christian Growth Ministries family.

Though we mourn her absence, we celebrate the life she lived, the love she gave, and the beautiful legacy she leaves behind.

Rest well, Star. Your light will continue to shine through all those who loved you.