Dara Chrystine Morris

Dara Chrystine Morris, 26, passed away on Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025, at her home in Aurora, with family by her side. She was born in Aurora on Tuesday, April 6, 1999; daughter of Dionna Priest and Robert Morris. She was a 2017 graduate of Beardstown High School in Illinois; however, she attended school in Pierce City until her senior year. She excelled in school and participated in FFA and Spanish Club. She was also very artistic and enjoyed being creative through art. She obtained an associate’s degree in science and had a goal of becoming a zoo veterinarian. She enjoyed food, music, animals, VW bugs, reading and watching crime shows. She loved her dog, “Ninja” and her nephews.
Surviving are her mother, Dionna Priest, Uncle Danon Priest, of the home in Aurora; father, Robert Morris, of Wentworth; siblings, Darek (Jessica) Morris, of McDowell; and Daylee Shinebarger, of Nixa; four nephews; paternal grandmother Annibel Morris, of Wentworth; several aunts, uncles, and cousins; and many friends.
Preceding her in death are her maternal grandparents, Wayne and Peggy Priest; paternal grandpa, Eugene Morris; and a cousin, Cody Blankenship.
The family will receive friends from 6-8 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 10 at Lakin Funeral Home in Pierce City. A celebration of life will be at Lakin Funeral Home in Pierce City, on Tuesday, Nov. 11, beginning at 2 p.m., with Pastor Nicole Shinebarger officiating. 
Memorials may be made to Haven of the Ozarks in care of the funeral home. Arrangements are under the personal care and direction of Lakin Funeral Home in Pierce City.
Online condolences may be made to the family at www.lakinfuneralhome.com