Morda Michelle (Bonaparte) Scott's Obituary
A woman of strength, love, integrity, and devotion. Morda Michelle (Bonaparte) Scott touched the lives of many with her intelligence, beauty, grace, and sense of humor. Leading with kindness in her heart and generosity of her spirit.
Morda Michelle Scott was surrounded by the love of her family and friends as she passed on from this world on October 12th, 2023.
She was born to Doris (Bonaparte) Brooks and Frederick E. Smith, Sr., in Columbia, MO on August 28th, 1961.
Growing up in Columbia, she also remembered years she spent in Centralia, MO with her loving foster family, the Willis’, before moving back to Columbia where she would later have her own family: Daughter, Nikkisa and son, Rickey with her first husband, Rickey G. Christian II and son Stefon, with Keener A. Tippin II.
A graduate of Columbia Hickman High School, she was a proud member of the Class of 1979. She would later attend the University of Missouri-Columbia and continued her education at Austin Community College in Texas.
She worked as a secretary and bookkeeper in various locations with Columbia Public Schools. In Texas she also worked within the Scott and White hospital system. However, it was with H&R Block as a Senior Tax Preparer, AFSP that she would find her lifelong career that would ultimately span decades.
As a member of St. Luke United Methodist Church, she served as Vice-President of Pastor’s Aide and often volunteered for various committees and events. As a member of Journey of Faith in Round Rock, TX, Morda would obtain her certificate as a Lay Servant in the United Methodist Church to share her faith and love of God.
She was an MC for Shop Your Closet and the Cancer Survivors Fashion Show. An early collaborator with the Columbia African American Association (CAAA), she narrated the bios of the scholarship and lifetime award recipients. In Texas, she was a proud member of the Williamson County Democrats and became a Volunteer Deputy Registrar. She donated to the women’s shelter and worked with the cleaning of local lands and historical slave areas.
A well-known lover of HGTV and Hallmark Christmas movies, her enjoyment of both were year round and often brought her comfort. But even that does not compare to the love in her heart she held for her family, friends, children, parents, and most especially her grandchildren.
Morda will always be remembered for her love of life, her sheer joy and fearless nature; her encouragement of others, strength of character, and her amazing beauty both inside and out. She was a force!
Memorial Services will be held at 1:00 PM on Saturday, November 25, 2023, St Luke UMC, 204 E Ash Street, Columbia MO. Visitation from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM at the church. Repass to follow in St Luke's Dining Hall. Service will consist of Scripture, Song, Poems, and Tributes. Services will be livestreamed at 1:00 PM on https://www.facebook.com/htmayfuneralhome.
Please note: Both semi-formal and casual attire allowed as Columbia Public Schools, Mizzou Tigers to St. Luke UMC, her love of the KC Chiefs, and involvement in charitable works. Please use your best judgement to celebrate her life in both style and respect.
What’s your fondest memory of Morda?
What’s a lesson you learned from Morda?
Share a story where Morda's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Morda you’ll never forget.
How did Morda make you smile?