Melba Mott Norton

She was born on July 17, 1918 in South Carolina to Robert and Mary Letha Mott and spent most of her life in Jacksonville. She was married to her beloved George Edgar in 1938 until he passed away in 1981. They shared 43 wonderful years together.

Mrs. Norton graduated from Lee High School. She worked alongside her husband as owner and operator of the Jacksonville Terminal Commissary and the Norton Marine Supply in Jacksonville. In 1961, they dedicated themselves to full-time Christian service. They served as Directors of the Baptist Home for Children for 21 years. Everything they did in business, church, or play they did together, side by side.

She lived her life serving God in all she did. In her early years she attended Woodlawn Baptist Church. During their years at the Children’s Home, they attended Southside Baptist Church and Arlington Baptist Church. After her husband’s death, she moved her membership to Deermeadows Baptist Church where she was a faithful member for 30 years. She served as WMU Director, Sunday School teacher, and member of the choir in the churches she attended.

She was preceded in death by her loving husband, George Edgar, and sisters, Eva Shank and Jeanette Olive. She is survived by her daughters, Marilyn (Ken) Elder and Kay (Jim) Bailey, both of Jacksonville; brother, Robert (Frances) Mott, Bainbridge, GA; grandchildren, Patti (Greg) Linn, Weatherford, TX, Jimmy Parrish, Brad (Teresa) Parrish, and Allison (Andrew) Weaver, all of Jacksonville; many great-grandchildren, loving nieces and nephews.

Mrs. Norton’s family wishes to express their deep appreciation toward the staff of Hospice and her devoted caregivers, Linda Keitt and Ondina Ortiz, for the loving care they provided.

A Funeral Service celebrating her life will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, June 29th in Deermeadows Baptist Church, 9780 Baymeadows Road, Jacksonville with visitation a half hour prior to service. Memorial contributions may be made to Community Hospice of Northeast Florida, 4266 Sunbeam Road, Jacksonville, FL 32257.

Arrangements are under the care and direction of Hardage-Giddens Funeral Home of Mandarin, 11801 San Jose Blvd. Jacksonville, FL 32223. www.hgmandarin.com (904) 288-0025.