Remembering Morgan Morrell: A Life of Love, Light, and Resilience

With heavy hearts and profound sorrow, the Fort Smith, Arkansas community mourns the loss of Morgan Morrell, who passed away far too soon on August 30, 2025, at the age of 37. Morgan’s sudden departure has left her family, friends, and loved ones grappling with deep grief, yet also united in honoring the beauty of her life. Known for her vibrant spirit, her kindness, and the unwavering love she shared with everyone she met, Morgan’s presence was a gift — one that left a lasting imprint on every soul lucky enough to know her.

Morgan was more than a beloved daughter, sister, granddaughter, and mother; she was a source of laughter, comfort, and strength. Friends recall how her humor could brighten even the darkest days, while her wisdom often provided quiet guidance in life’s most difficult moments. To those closest to her, Morgan was a steady anchor — someone who celebrated their joys, carried their burdens, and always offered a safe place to land.

A Devoted Mother, Daughter, and Friend

At the heart of Morgan’s world were her beloved children, Bryar Isaac Scott Bilyeu and Dovey JoLeigh Dufresne. They were her pride, her purpose, and the brightest lights of her life. Everything Morgan did — every choice, every sacrifice, every dream — was driven by her deep and selfless love for them. Her family describes her as fiercely protective, endlessly supportive, and profoundly proud of the young lives she nurtured with such devotion.

Morgan’s parents, Brenda Morrell and Larry Bilyeu, along with her cherished grandmother, Bobbie Goff, were cornerstones of her life, offering love and guidance that shaped her into the extraordinary woman she became. Her siblings — Kelly, Skylar Hays, Michaela, and Jacob Kirby — shared with her a bond rooted in loyalty, laughter, and lifelong connection. To her nieces and nephews, Anna Shields, Tova Oliver, and River Hays, Morgan was a favorite presence — a loving figure whose pride in them was boundless.

A Legacy That Lives On

Though her earthly journey ended too soon, Morgan’s legacy remains deeply woven into the fabric of her family and community. Her laughter will echo through the stories they tell, her strength will live on in the hearts she strengthened, and her love will continue to guide those who carry her memory forward.

A visitation to honor Morgan’s life will be held on Wednesday, September 3, 2025, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Ocker Funeral Home, 700 Jefferson St, Van Buren, Arkansas. Friends, family, and all whose lives were touched by Morgan are invited to gather, to remember, to grieve, and to celebrate the remarkable woman she was.