NATCHEZ — For every Pilgrimage since the Natchez tradition began in 1932, a familiar face at Green Leaves has always been there to welcome tourists to Natchez.

Virginia Lee Beltzhoover Morrison first greeted tourists as a child on the steps of her family’s home, Green Leaves, wearing an old dress her mother found in the attic. Through the years, she never missed a Pilgrimage season.

Morrison, 87, died Tuesday, but her work with the Pilgrimage Garden Club and other organizations has left an indelible mark on Natchez.

Morrison was born and raised at Green Leaves. She married her husband, George Morrison Jr., there, and her funeral will be there today.

Morrison and Green Leaves are synonymous, says Morrison’s daughter Joie Stanton.

A daughter of one of the original founders of Pilgrimage, Ruth Audley Britton Wheeler Beltzhoover, Pilgrimage was in Morrison’s blood.

Green Leaves is meant to be shared, and my mother always saw that,” Stanton said. “She always saw that everyone was welcome here.”

A longtime member of the Pilgrimage Garden Club, her work showed her undeniable dedication to Pilgrimage, said Morrison’s niece Ruthie Coy.

Coy said her aunt was always a person who worked behind the scenes, shying away from the spotlight.

“She was always active and so dedicated, but she never wanted to be in the limelight,” Coy said. “I think that really speaks to the kind of person she was.”

Morrison also dedicated her time to Trinity Episcopal Church and served for many years as the treasurer of St. Hilda’s Guild. She was also an avid supporter of the Natchez-Adams County Humane Society.

“She loved animals,” Stanton said. “She took care of all kinds of animals, raised baby kittens on bottles. She was just really an animal lover.”

Morrison was a graduate of Natchez High School, and she studied fashion design and liberal arts at Finch College in New York City.

But Natchez was always in her heart, Stanton said, and so were the lifelong friends she made in her hometown.

Morrison was a member of the Order of the Garter or “The Garter Girls,” who, after World War II, all wore the same wedding garter.

The traditions of The Garter Girls have been passed on to children and grandchildren, who have kept the treasured friendships among the women alive.

Pilgrimage Garden Club member Mary Ann Jones, an original member of The Garter Girls, knew Morrison since they were young girls.

“She was one of the most charming people I’ve ever known,” Jones said. “She was fun to be around … and the whole group of The Garter Girls, we were all such close friends and stuck with each other.

“Everybody just loved Virginia.”