Estelle Morris

Oct 19, 2025

in 1870-1889 (Born), African Americans, Phyllis Wheatley Society, Social Work, Civic and Philanthropy

1881-1979

Estelle Morris was a civic activist and women’s club leader, active in the NJ Federation of Colored Women’s Clubs, Sojourner Truth branch of the YWCA, Newark Community Chest and many other organizations. Mother of Mildred Morris Williams and Irene Morris.

Estelle was Regional President of Northwest Region in the NJ State Federation of Colored Women’s Clubs and also served as recording secretary. In 1958, she was honored for her service to the Federation, and again in 1972 for “outstanding civic activities”.

Estelle was on the management board for the Sojourner Truth YWCA (House Section), and served as Chairman of the branch.

Estelle served as chairman and vice chairman of the progressive division of the Newark Community Chest, which was the African American division.

Estelle was was also secretary of the Eastern Star, Trinity Chapter 14. She was also a member of the Phyllis Wheatley Literary Society and involved with the Urban League. She was advisor of the Mary McCleod Bethune Club of North Jersey and president of the Morton Street Community Council.

In 1923, when her daughter Mildred founded Phi Delta Kappa, Estelle signed the paperwork since Mildred was a minor.

In 1947 and 1948, she was on a committee (chairman in 1948) to plan the Women’s Clubs celebration of American Brotherhood Week. In 1947, the Mayor appointed Estelle to the committee for a local food conservation program, and she was cited by the National Committee.

In 1965, she received the Sojourner Truth Award from the North Jersey Unit of National Association of Negro and Professional Women, their highest award.

Estelle also was involved in Pilgrim Baptist church, running the Bible Vocational School and secretary of the Friendly Circle. Later, at Bethany Baptist Church where she served alternately as program chairman and president for the Ladies Union. In 1964, she was honored for being a 50-year member of Bethany Baptist.

The Newark News listed her as a field worker for Black Republicans, with others such as Blanche Harris and associated with the Newark Colored Republican Club.

In 1951, she served on a grand jury trying famous Jewish mobster Abner “Longie” Zwillman. In 1955, she testified before the NJ State Legislature on the proposed closing of the Bordentown Manual Training School.

Estelle’s maiden name was likely Stather or Strother, and she was born in New York or Virginia (census records list different places). She married August (Gus, Augustus) Morris on Nov 1, 1899 in Orange. By 1910, they lived on Garside St in Newark, and later at 39 Chester St, and lived in Newark most of her life. Gus died in 1954.