Mrs. John L. Morris originated and promoted the Globe of the Great Southwest, the world's most nearly authentic replica of the Globe theater in England made famous by the plays of William Shakespeare. Educated at North Texas State University, she joined the English faculty at Odessa College. In 1961 the college named her Teacher of the Year, and she was honored that year as an outstanding teacher in Texas colleges. She also founded the Permian Basin Museum and the area Writers' Roundup contest, both sponsored by Odessa College.