Annabella was born in 1890, the daughter of John MacDonald and Jemima Thomson of 17 Grenitote, North Uist.

In February 1917 she married Reverend Norman Morrison from 16 Brenish at Trumisgarry in North Uist, where Norman was a missionary. He was ordained the same year, and became Established Church minister on the island of Berneray. The couple lived at the Manse on 6a Ruisgarry, where five of their seven children were born.

In 1927, the family relocated to Farr, Sutherland and in 1931 to Baile na Cille Manse, Uig.