Funeral held for shooting victim to overflow crowd of mourners

Published 12:00 am Saturday, January 13, 2001

MT. AIRY – Funeral services for Sydonna Nydia Morris were held at St. Mark Baptist Church at 11 a.m. Thursday. The mother of three, allegedly shot and killed by her boyfriend in her home Friday night, was mourned by many. People crammed into the tiny church, and the legion of mourners overflowed out into the yard and onto the street. Services were conducted by the Rev. Elder Nelson, and tributes and condolences were given by the church family and a guest pastor, the Rev. E. White. Interment took place at Zion Travelers Cemetery in Reserve. Morris, born April 14, 1975, left behind her parents, three children, five brothers, two sisters and lots of family and friends. Family members said she was baptized at an early age at St. Mark Baptist Church, and she was a 1993 graduate of East St. John High School. Though the family called the service a “homecoming celebration,” there was much grief over the loss of a beloved family member and friend. Morris’ sister, Shannon Florent, said the family is getting by with “the grace of God.” Florent found her sister Friday evening after she was shot in her bedroom. Her boyfriend, Danny Eugene Winston, is wanted by St. John Sheriff deputies in connection with the crime. Winston, who stole Morris’ car and fled the scene, is still being sought for second-degree murder. After allegedly shooting Morris Winston closed and locked her bedroom door, then drove away in her vehicle. According to authorities, Winston has family and friends in California and Mississippi. He could be on his way to either of those states, but he still may be in Louisiana.