Havana Elsie

Morse

Havana Elsie Morse, affectionately known as Pat, was born to Richard and Alberta Howard in Orange, Virginia, September 1, 1935, the oldest of six children.  At an early age she gave her life to Christ and joined Hopewell Baptist Church in Rapidan, Virginia. She graduated George Washington Carver High School in Culpeper, Virginia. Upon graduation she moved to Washington, D.C., to further her education. She graduated with honors from the Cortez Peters Business College in Washington, D.C. and began her employment with the United States Department of the Navy. She retired in 1988 from The Department of Defense.

In Washington, D.C., she met and married Raymond Julius Morse. They met while working in Crystal City, VA. She found a new church home, joining Israel Baptist Church (IBC) January 1, 1978.  She was a very active member at IBC, including serving on the Scholarship Committee, Choir, Women's Club, and the Deaconess Board. She received the IBC Certificate of Distinguished Service on September 16, 2018.

Her hobbies were cooking (infamous Three Bean Salad), hosting large family gatherings, traveling, playing Spades, and reading. Pat and Raymond loved to travel. Their trips included Jamaica, Jerusalem, Greece, multiple cruises, and numerous states from the East to West coasts. Their visit to the Holy Land was significant to their faith and service.

Pat moved to Midlothian, Virginia, in 2013, where she stayed until her passing. She happily lived 13 years with her son, daughter-in-law and granddaughters.  She transferred her Christian Experience to First Baptist Church of South Richmond

Pat was preceded in death by her parents, Richard and Alberta Howard; spouse, Raymond J. Morse, Sr.; sister, Annettte Lee; son, Gary A. Mance (April 2025) and stepson, William (Billy) Morse.

Left to cherish her memory are her devoted daughter-in-law, Deborah Howard Mance of Midlothian, VA.; two granddaughters, Sydney N. Mance of Brooklyn, NY and Tolliver C. Mance of Manhattan, NY; siblings, Randolph (Marion) Howard of Roanoke, VA., Delcine (Cephus) Daniel of Orange, VA., Michael (Peggy) Howard of Richmond, VA and Michelle (Howard) Butler of Centreville, VA; stepdaughters; Anne Eaddy of Waldorf, MD and Adria Chaplin of Pasadena, MD; nieces, Shelley Long of Orange, VA, Kendra Lee of Woodbridge, VA, Stacie (Maurice) Wright of Roanoke VA, Meredith (Tom) Howard of Henrico, VA and Marissa (Kate) Howard of Washington, DC; nephews, Johnathan (Elsie) Butler of Springfield, VA, John (Tianna) Craig-Lee of Colorado Springs, CO, Matthew Craig-Lee of Shreveport, LA and Michael Craig-Lee of Woodbridge, VA; as well as numerous step-grandchildren, step-great-grandchildren, cousins and devoted friends.

Remains rest at Scott's Funeral Home, 115 E. Brookland Park Blvd. where viewing will be held from 10 a.m. until 7 p.m. Friday, February 27, 2026. The family will receive friends from 11 a.m. until 12:45 p.m. Saturday, February 28 at Scott's Chapel, 116 E. Brookland Park Blvd. followed by funeral services at 1 p.m. Interment Monday, April 13, 2026 at 11:15 a.m. at Cheltenham Veterans Cemetery, 11301 Crain Highway, Cheltenham,, MD  20623.