Karen Ann Morrow Bodiford

Karen Ann Morrow Bodiford, beloved mother, sister, grandmother, and friend, passed away unexpectedly on May 12, 2025, at Cleveland Clinic in Cleveland, Ohio. Born on December 7, 1953, to the late Lynn Brewer and Victoria Regina Wade-Morrow, Karen’s life was a testament to love, resilience, and unwavering faith.

From a young age, Karen’s vibrant spirit and deep compassion stood out. Raised with strong family values and guided by her mother’s faith, she became a pillar of strength for her family. Known for her intelligence, wit, and loving firmness, Karen had an infectious humor and a curious mind. She delighted in sharing stories with sharp insight and a touch of playful sarcasm that brought laughter to all. Karen, alongside her brother Reggie, took on a nurturing, motherly role for her younger siblings during difficult times. She kept them safe and close, teaching the value of love, unity, and family support.

Karen graduated from West Philadelphia Catholic High School for Girls in 1971 and studied nursing at the Community College of Philadelphia while working. She served as a Candy Striper at Misericordia Hospital and later worked in various healthcare roles. In 1973, she met Julius Brown, and together they managed Brown’s Cleaners in Philadelphia. They were blessed with a daughter, Shavasia, in 1975. Karen later worked for Jones Cleaners for many years.

In 1983, Karen met the late Albert Ross, Jr., and they welcomed their son, Albert Ross III, in 1990. The family moved to Lorain, Ohio, shortly after to care for Albert’s mother, Vernice Ross. After Albert’s passing in 1994, Karen stayed in Lorain to provide a safe and nurturing home for her children.

Karen devoted over 35 years to healthcare, working as a Group Home Aide at Murray Ridge Center in Lorain County from 1990 to 2019. After retiring, she returned part-time to St. Anthony of Padua Catholic School, cherishing time spent with her grandchildren. Karen’s greatest joy was her family. She was a proud mother to Dr. Shavasia Iesha Naima Lusane and the late Albert Ross III, and a devoted grandmother.

Beyond her family, she was a mentor and confidant to many. Her steadfast faith led her to serve joyfully in the Hospitality Ministry at New Life Global Fellowship in Elyria, Ohio. Karen will be remembered for her radiant smile, infectious laugh, and graceful strength. She loved music, reading, cooking, dancing, traveling, and celebrating life’s simple joys. Her warmth made everyone feel seen and loved. Her legacy of love and resilience lives on in all who knew her.

Karen is survived by her daughter, Dr. Shavasia Iesha Naima Lusane; stepchildren Cornelius (Alicia) Stafford, Jamal Ross, Janetta Bodiford, Alex (Marsha) Bodiford, and Michael Bodiford; grandchildren Danaja Lusane, Samone Morrow-Bodiford, Aubrey Ross, Morgan Ross, Albert Ross IV, and Marlon Ross; siblings Reginald (Rena) Morrow, Dean (Anabel) Morrow Sr., Cynthia Morrow, Gilbert Morrow Sr., Cassandra Morrow, Sheree Morrow-Massey, Derrick Massey, Shirley Brewer-Garden, and Timothy Collins; former husband Leon Bodiford; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family, and friends.

She was preceded in death by her significant other, Albert Ross Jr.; beloved son, Albert Ross III; parents Ned Lynn Brewer and Victoria Regina Wade-Morrow; brothers David Morrow, Harding Wade, Victor Alexander Morrow, Lynn Brewer Jr., Freddie Brewer, and William Brewer; and sisters Patricia Brewer Stewart, Pearl Hines, and Sharon Brewer Collins.

Though our hearts are heavy, we take comfort knowing Karen is at peace and her spirit lives on in all she touched. Her memory will forever remain in our hearts.

“Her memory is our keepsake, with which we’ll never part. God has her in His keeping, we have her in our hearts.”

A Celebration of Life will be held on May 31, 2025, at Living Word Church, 2002 E. 28th St., Lorain, Ohio. Visitation begins at 9 a.m., with the service following at 11 a.m. Burial will be in Elmwood Cemetery, Lorain.