By ALLEN MINCEY

“Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control … are fruits of the spirit.”

Those were some of the last sentiments that Habitat for Humanity of Cleveland’s Tammy Johnson remembers voiced by longtime supporter Jeff Morelock.

Morelock, who passed away Feb. 13, was remembered for his dedication to the local Habitat for Humanity chapter at a special ceremony Friday at Victory Cove, a Habitat subdivision. His family was in attendance, as were several members from First Cumberland Presbyterian Church, where Morelock was a member.

The event was held as a tribute to Morelock, who not only worked as a volunteer with Habitat, but also served as the organization’s board president for four years. In 2020, he was named a Habitat Hero. He, himself, said he was no carpenter, but tried his best to help in building homes in the community.

“Years ago, our church was doing work on another Habitat home … and my dad pulled me in to help. I can tell you, my dad was not much of a carpenter,” said Davis Morelock with a smile. “He was very good in motivating people to get the project done and get the work done.

“Over the last 10 years or so, he really stepped away from other nonprofits and spent his time with Habitat, because that was his passion,” he continued. “Thank you to all who volunteer, to the staff, and to anyone who participated in one way or the other … and thank you for honoring my father.”

Kathy Morelock, Jeff’s wife, greeted everyone at the ceremony with a smile and tried to speak to everyone at the event, but was at a loss for words when she approached the podium. She did especially thank the Habitat for Humanity staff, and those from the church who came to the ceremony, stayed and did some volunteer work on the home that will be dedicated on Tuesday.

“We call ourselves a church, but we are really a family,” said Kathy Morelock. “I really appreciate all of you coming out today.”

Pastor Jennifer Newell of First Presbyterian Church spoke of Morelock’s dedication to helping others, and volunteered to work on the Habitat home. She pointed to Morelock’s character leading him to help others, appropriately quoting a scripture from the Bible.

“Isaiah 38:2 reads ‘but he who is noble plans noble things, and on noble things he stands.’ That was Jeff Morelock,” she said.

Johnson said even as Morelock was battling illness, he stayed in touch with her, and would drive by the building projects and talk to her from his vehicle.

“I have such a deep love and affection for Jeff. He was such a kind, loving mentor to me,” she said. “I keep his picture on my desktop computer that has his hand on a 2-by-4 where he wrote, ‘Good luck and blessing’.”

Two photographs of Morelock were presented to the family at the ceremony, one of which was the picture Johnson mentioned. Along with Kathy and Davis Morelock, other family members in attendance were Davis’ wife Ashlan, and their children: Emma Ann and Jefferson.

Johnson announced the next building project for Habitat for Humanity of Cleveland will be at 20th Street S.E. and Foster Lane S.E., near Blythe-Bower Elementary School.

“Jeff left a silent but strong legacy with us at Habitat. He never asked for public praise and was a true servant,” she said. “We will continue his legacy by breaking ground on a new subdivision next year called Morelock Meadows. We would love to have family and friends return to help with that build.”

Dedication for the Kerea Westfield Habitat for Humanity of Cleveland home is scheduled for Tuesday, Oct. 12, at 11 a.m. at the home at 1223 Franitza Way.