Mia Francette Morris

With broken hearts and deep gratitude for a life well lived, we honor the life and legacy of Mia Morris of San Antonio, Texas who passed away on Saturday at the age of 59. Her passing leaves a profound void in the hearts of those who loved her, within her church family, and throughout the San Antonio community she served so faithfully. Even in our grief, we thank God for the clear evidence that Mia lived a life filled with purpose, service, compassion, and unwavering faith.

Mia Morris was born on June 19, 1966, in Los Angeles, California, to Frank J. Riley Jr. and Nealie Ruth Alexander Riley. Raised in a military family, Mia experienced life in several places during her early years and attended Tinker Elementary School at Tinker Air Force Base in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Her family eventually settled in San Antonio, where she attended and graduated from Sam Houston High School in 1984.

Committed to education and personal growth, Mia continued her academic studies at local colleges including the University of the Incarnate Word. She ultimately completed both her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Counseling at Wayland Baptist University. Her academic accomplishments laid the foundation for a career dedicated to helping others heal, grow, and thrive.

Mia devoted her professional life to counseling and uplifting others. She served as a counselor at a number of San Antonio area schools. Her most recent locations were MLK Academy and Essence Preparatory Public School, where she became a trusted support system for scholars, families, and staff. Her connection to Essence began even before her official role there. Mia was among the small group of supporters who traveled to Austin the day the school received authorization from the Texas Education Agency, standing in support of a vision she believed would transform the lives of young people on San Antonio’s East Side. Because of her early support and dedication, many consider her a pillar of the San Antonio community.

Affectionately known as “Ms. Mia,” her presence brought calm, empathy, wisdom, and compassion. She possessed the rare ability to make people feel heard, valued, and understood. Scholars trusted her. Families leaned on her for guidance. Staff members

appreciated her listening ear and steady encouragement. Her kindness was quiet but powerful, and her influence continues through the many lives she impacted.

Mia’s life of service extended far beyond her professional work. A devoted woman of faith, she was a member of Lily of the Valley Baptist Church for five years before becoming a foundational member of True Vision Church in San Antonio. There, she served faithfully in numerous ministries including praise dancing, choir, youth ministry, and community outreach. Most notably, she managed the Café. She was known as a prayer warrior, a compassionate encourager, and someone always willing to step in and help wherever needed.

Her dedication to community leadership was equally remarkable. Mia served as the Commemorative Program Chair for the City of San Antonio’s Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Commission, where she contributed her leadership and energy toward advancing initiatives that honored Dr. King’s legacy and promoted unity and justice in the community. She was also an active volunteer with the San Antonio Black Film Festival for many years. Passionate about its mission of preserving and sharing history, she volunteered with the San Antonio African American Community Archive and Museum (SAACAM), where her service earned her the 2026 Ezekiel “EZ” Allen Legacy Award for Volunteerism.

Whether through church, civic engagement, education, or counseling, Mia believed deeply in fairness, inclusion, compassion, and lifting others up. She did more than speak about these values—she lived them daily.

Beyond her many accomplishments, Mia embraced life with joy and personality. Her favorite colors were black and purple, and she was rarely seen without one of her beloved baseball caps. She enjoyed photography, shopping and discovering unique treasures, often browsing places like Sam’s Club, IKEA, and thrift stores where she delighted in finding iconic pieces. She also loved music, was an accomplished salsa dancer and a highly sought after salsa instructor in the San Antonio area.

Above all, Mia cherished her family. She was a proud mother, grandmother, daughter, sister, aunt, and friend whose love for her family was constant and unwavering.

Mia was preceded in death by her father, Frank J. Riley Jr.

She leaves to cherish her memory: her beloved daughter, Jennifer Butler (Hosea III); her three cherished grandchildren, Hosea Butler IV, Jireh Butler, and Micah Butler, who lovingly called her “MeMa”; her mother, Nealie Ruth Riley; her sisters, Alma Reynolds (Michael), Shewanda Riley, and Natasha Merrill (Robert);her dear friends, Shaunda Cooper and Jeanie Murphy; her church families; and a host of relatives, colleagues, and friends whose lives were forever touched by her love and kindness.

Mia Morris leaves behind far more than memories—she leaves a legacy of service to God. Her legacy lives on in the people she encouraged, the communities she strengthened, the students she guided, and the faith she lived out every day.

She was dependable in a time when dependability is rare, generous without seeking recognition, and impactful without needing the spotlight.

Her smile brightened hallways. Her prayers strengthened hearts. Her service lifted burdens.

Though she is no longer with us physically, Mia continues to inspire.

Well done, Mia Morris. Well done, faithful servant.

Your life mattered. Your service mattered. And your memory will forever remain a blessing.