Edna Morgan
Edna “Chocolate” Thomas Morgan transitioned to her heavenly home on Saturday, March 1, 2025, at the age of 90. She was a beloved mother, family member, educator, friend, and servant of the Lord. She was blessed with a long, fulfilled life and she leaves behind a legacy of faith that will continue to inspire all who knew her.
Born on July 24, 1934, Chocolate was a lifelong resident of Chattanooga, Tennessee. After graduating from Howard High School in Chattanooga, she obtained her bachelor’s degree in education from Tennessee State University in Nashville.
At an early age, she accepted Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior, and her strong faith was the foundation upon which she built her life. As a devoted prayer warrior, she spent countless hours in communion with the Lord, lifting her family, friends, and community in prayer. Her faith was not just something she professed, but something she lived. Her prayers were powerful, and her voice, both in song and in testimony, was a source of comfort and inspiration to many.
Chocolate’s love for the Lord extended into every area of her church life. She was most recently a member of First Baptist Church of Fort Oglethorpe. Prior to joining FBCFO, she was a former member of Brainerd Baptist Church and First Baptist Church, East 8th Street. Throughout her church years, she was an active and dedicated believer. Whether it was participating in Bible study groups and Sunday School classes, directing vacation Bible school activities, providing counsel and prayer to those in need, or singing in the choir, she made her presence felt in all aspects of her church community.
One of the many gifts that Chocolate shared with the world was her heavenly voice. Blessed with an incredible talent for singing, she graced numerous recitals, weddings, receptions, and funerals with a voice that could move hearts. Whether in joyful celebration or in times of mourning, her songs ministered to those in attendance, offering inspiration, comfort and peace. Through her singing, she glorified God and touched the souls of everyone who heard her.
A passionate, dedicated, and effective educator, Chocolate spent 36 years shaping the minds and hearts of children as an elementary school teacher. For most of her career in education, she taught at Frank H. Trotter Elementary, Howard Elementary, Highland Park Elementary, and Orchard Knob Elementary. She touched the lives of countless children, instilling in them not only knowledge but also compassion, kindness, and a love for learning. Her students often spoke of her as more than just a teacher; she was a mentor, a guide, and someone who always took the time to understand them as individuals. Chocolate fostered not just academic growth, but also emotional and character development in her students. Her ability to make learning both fun and meaningful was a hallmark of her career, and her influence will be felt for generations to come. As an extension of her love and devotion to children, Chocolate also worked with the Bethel Bible Village team in Chattanooga, Tennessee as a volunteer and served on their Board of Directors for several years. She was a patient, compassionate mentor who inspired her students to strive for excellence.
Throughout her life, Chocolate was actively involved in many social organizations, where her warm and outgoing nature left a lasting impact. Whether volunteering at church, participating in community events, or organizing social gatherings, she was always ready to lend a hand or offer a listening ear. Over the years she enjoyed memberships in Congenial Ladies of Chattanooga, The Couples Club, National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Inc., and CARATS, Inc. Chocolate welcomed the opportunity to serve and uplift others, and her warm and inviting nature made her a cherished friend and confidante to many.
Above all, Chocolate was a devoted mother to her only son, Christopher. Their bond was unbreakable, and it was clear to all who knew them that she poured her heart and soul into raising him with love, wisdom, and faith. Her joy in seeing him grow and thrive was evident in every conversation, and she took great pride in being his mother. Chocolate’s relationship with her son exemplified the love, patience, and sacrifice that she willingly gave.
Though health challenges later in life brought physical limitations, Chocolate's spirit, faith, and devotion to Jesus Christ remained strong. She continued to serve others, often offering prayers and encouragement to those around her, even when she herself was struggling. She inspired those around her with her strength, grace, and deep reliance on God’s promises. While we mourn her passing, we also celebrate her life and the incredible impact she had on all who knew her. She leaves behind a legacy of teaching, prayer, and service, and her memory will live on in the hearts of her son, family, friends, students, and all who were touched by her kindness.
Chocolate is preceded in death by her husband, William “Slim” Sylvester Morgan, mother, Johnnie Mae Moore (Otis), father, Daniel Thomas, and stepfather, Otis O. Moore. Chocolate is survived by her son, Christopher Morgan, devoted niece, Jocelyn Morgan, devoted cousin and prayer partner, Marsha Hayes (James), and a host of extended family members and friends who will remember her with love and affection. Her legacy of faith, service, and love will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.
"Well done, good and faithful servant." – Matthew 25:23
Chocolate will lie in state on Wednesday, March 26, at 10 a.m. at First Baptist Church of Fort Oglethorpe, 2645 Old Lafayette Road, Fort Oglethorpe, Ga. 30742. A funeral service to celebrate her life and faith will follow at 11 a.m. at the church. Interment will follow in Chattanooga National Cemetery.
Arrangements are by Taylor Funeral Home of Chattanooga, Inc.