Iris “Muffin” Hyler Morris, retired middle school teacher in Alleghany County, died Monday, July 24, 2017 at her residence in Valley Ridge. She was 62. She was the wife of Dr. Clay Sisson Morris. She taught elementary and middle school in Roanoke, Clifton Forge, Henrico County, and Alleghany County for thirty-four years prior to her retirement in 2014. After graduating from Clifton Forge High School in 1973, Muffin received her B. S. degree in lower and upper elementary education from Radford University in 1978. She was especially proud of receiving the 2002 “Educator of the Year” award from the Alleghany Highlands Chamber of Commerce. During the 2004-2005 school year, Muffin was also awarded the Who’s Who Among America’s Teachers for excellence as a distinguished educator. She was born October 25, 1954 in Alleghany County, the daughter of Richard Lunsford Hyler and the late Lillian Johnson Hyler. She was a member of Clifton Forge Baptist Church, where for many years she was a summer Bible school teacher. She served several years as a cheerleading coach at Alleghany High School. She loved the outdoors and was an exceptional equestrian. Muffin loved her chosen occupation and will fondly miss her dear students and colleagues. In addition to her husband of thirty-nine years, she is survived by a son and daughter-in-law, Clay Sisson Morris, Jr. and Rebecca Grubbs Morris of Chesterfield County; her father, Richard L. Hyler of Clifton Forge; a brother, Monte L. Hyler and wife Sheila K. Hyler of Covington; a special cousin, Linda Thomas of Lewisburg, WV; two grandchildren, Colton Luke and Austin Blake; brothers-in-law and wives: John P. Jr. and Carolyn Morris of Rockbridge County, Farley C. “Chappy” Morris and Betty Morris of Alleghany County, Dow and Sheree Morris of Roanoke, and Jefferson C. Morris of Oriskany; and special friends, Russell Anderson of Oriskany and Janie O’Conner of Alleghany County. She also leaves behind a number of beautiful nieces and nephews, and greatnieces and greatnephews. Muffin was preceded in death by one brother, Norman L. Hyler, and her mother, Lillian Johnson Hyler. A funeral service will be conducted on Friday, July 28, 2017 at 11:00 AM in the chapel of Nicely Funeral Home, Clifton Forge with Reverend Virgil Woodie officiating. A private interment will take place in Tucker Cemetery, Oriskany. Pallbearers will be John P. Morris, Farley C. Morris, Jefferson C. Morris, John Morris, Jonathan Morris, Dow Jacob “D. J.” Morris, and Jamie Morris. The family will receive friends on Thursday evening from 6:00 PM until 8:00 PM at Nicely Funeral Home. The family suggests memorial tributes take the form of contributions to Mountain Regional Hospice Volunteers, PO Box 637, Clifton Forge, VA 24422.