Madeleine Morris Canton, MS Obituary
CANTON, MS — Madeleine Claire Phillips Morris, a beloved pillar of the Canton community, passed away peacefully on March 16, 2026, with her devoted husband, Ken, by her side. She was 76.
Born on January 16, 1950, to Virginia and William Phillips, Madeline’s roots in Canton ran deep. She enjoyed a joyful childhood alongside her sister, Debbie, filled with Girl Scouts, swim team summers, and worship at Grace Episcopal Church. A bright student, she graduated with honors from Canton High School in 1968, where she served as annual editor and a member of the National Honor Society.
Her path led to the University of Mississippi, where she joined Chi Omega and met Ken, the love of her life. He often recalled it was love at first sight. They married in January 1970, and Madeline later earned her Bachelor of Science in Mathematics from Delta State University in 1971.
Madeline’s passion for numbers and nurturing spirit found a perfect outlet in her career as a mathematics teacher at Canton Academy. She inspired countless students in Math 2, Algebra 2, and Advanced Math. She also brought creativity and grace to her family’s business, Phillips Lumber Company, serving as an interior designer and as President of the Ladies Auxiliary for the Mississippi Building Materials Dealer Association.
Her greatest pride and joy was her family. As a mother to daughters Davin and Claire, she was the epitome of loving support—sewing dresses, baking character cakes, and offering endless comfort. Her legacy blossomed further with her four grandchildren, Virginia Dare, Teddy, George, and James, who knew her as “Saba” or “Grandmama.” Her refrigerator was a gallery of their art, and she delighted in hosting bingo nights and helping with math homework.
Madeline and Ken shared a love for travel, from the beaches of the Caribbean to the excitement of the 2000 Olympics in Australia. A faithful member of First Methodist Church, she served as a Sunday school teacher and Blood Drive Chairman. She was an avid Ole Miss fan, a dedicated bridge player, a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution, and found peace in birdwatching, reading, and a warm cup of coffee.
She is survived by her husband of 56 years, Ken; her daughters, Davin Ford (Webster) and Claire Boler (Michael); her four cherished grandchildren; her sister, Debbie Walton (Mark); and many extended family and friends.
Visitation will be at First Methodist Church in Canton on Friday, March 20, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. A second visitation will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, March 21, followed by a memorial service at 11:00 a.m. Burial will follow at Canton Cemetery.
Memorials may be made to First Methodist Church, Canton, Mississippi. Madeline’s life was a beautiful equation of faith, family, and service, leaving an indelible sum of love on all who knew her.
