Kenneth Poe Funeral Services

November 14, 2024

Julia Alice Morris Hite, 90, passed away peacefully in her Charlotte, North Carolina residence on November 14, 2024.

Born to Chauncey ("Chance") Alexander Morris and Martha Elizabeth Morris in Tylertown, Mississippi on January 22, 1934, Julia was full of life. She had two older sisters, Mary Frances Morris Byrd and Peggy Morris Pigott, and she loved them both dearly. Julia felt close to their children Becky Byrd Lee (Mary Frances’ daughter), and Craig Pigott and Lori Pigott Fast (Peggy’s children).

Valedictorian of her class, Julia graduated from Dexter High School in 1951 where she lettered all four years in basketball. She then went on to graduate from The University of Southern Mississippi in 1955 with a degree in Business Education and a double minor in Education and English. At Southern Miss, she was a Dixie Darling dance team member. Julia taught and coached basketball for several years. She then worked as a medical secretary at Keesler Air Force Base in Gulfport, MS where she met her husband, Charles Land Hite, Sr. who was stationed there at the time. Julia and Charles married on April 5, 1958 and lovingly remained together for 45 years.

After marriage, Julia became a full-time homemaker and a wonderful mother to her and Charles’ three children. She loved baking, hosting and entertaining. Julia loved to celebrate anything and everything, especially the holidays. She loved games; particularly Bridge, which she competitively played on a regular basis, up until the day she died. She loved to dance and would find any excuse to do so. Julia always had a twinkle in her eye; She brought the sparkle and energy wherever she went. She was independent, authentic and opinionated. She brought people together and made things happen. She fiercely loved and served and taught everyone in her life a little bit about having fun.

Julia was very involved at her church, Myers Park United Methodist. She served in a variety of capacities including teaching, singing in the choir, and acting as president and chairman of multiple committees. Julia was active in her community – she was the first woman president of the Mountainbrook Civic Association Board, held several offices in her Garden Club as well as several offices in the Charlotte Inner Wheel Club (an organization for Rotarian-wives). Julia served on the Board of Bethlehem Center and was an active volunteer at the Blumenthal Performing Arts Center for many years. Julia loved the beach and was a frequent visitor of Pawleys Island, South Carolina (Litchfield) where she and Charles had a condo.

“Nana,” as her grandchildren called her, was full of spunk and athleticism. Even in her 90s, Julia took very long walks on a daily basis. She started playing tennis at age 35 and was a charter member of Cedar Forest Tennis Club and later a long-time member of Charlotte Indoor Tennis Club.  She was one of the founding members of the Charlotte Interclub League, captain of the USTA team for seniors that won the state championship and was a highly ranked individual player. In 2014, Julia opened a business with her son, David, Nano Sports Center which taught Pickleball, organized Pickleball tournaments and taught tennis to young children.

Julia sold her home (of 50+ years) and moved to Southminster in 2020 where she was actively involved. Here she organized the “Golden Girls” which planned trips and outings for residents. Julia enjoyed traveling especially in her older years with now deceased companion John Falcon. John, one of Julia’s many dance partners, was formerly of Fishersville, VA. 

In addition to her parents, Julia is predeceased by husband, Charles Land Hite, Sr. (1931-2003) originally from Henderson, NC, sister Mary Frances Morris Byrd (1923-2018) and grandson, Charles Land Hite, III (“Chad”) (1991-2024).   

Julia is survived by her three children, all of whom live in Charlotte – Charles Land Hite, Jr. (Laura Anne), David Morris Hite (Dace), and Susan Hite Griffin (Tim); grandchildren – Laura Elizabeth Hite (fiancé John Carrick), Kaija Leena Hite, David Morris Hite, Jr., Sarah Hite Griffin, Amy Elizabeth Adams (Jonathan), and Rachel Julia Griffin; and great-granddaughter Emma Louise Adams (1 year, 9 months).  Also surviving, sister Peggy Morris Pigott of Tylertown, MS, James Eppa Hite, Jr (brother of Charles Hite) of Forest, VA, and his two sons (James Eppa Hite, III and William Lucas Hite).

The funeral service will be held at Myers Park United Methodist Church on Friday, November 22 at 2:00 PM with a visitation to follow. Julia will be laid to rest in the church’s columbarium.

Memorials donations may be made to: Myers Park United Methodist Church, 1501 Queens Road, Charlotte, NC  28207 and/or Southminster Community Fund, 8919 Park Road, Charlotte, NC  28210.

Arrangements are in the care of Kenneth W. Poe Funeral & Cremation Service, 1321 Berkeley Avenue, Charlotte, NC 28204. (704)641-7606. Online condolences can be shared at www.kennethpoeservices.com