Clara (Richardson) Norton, age 86 passed away on Sunday, October 20, 2024. She married the love of her life, Jack Norton, September 22, 1956 and devoted her time as a loving wife and mother raising their three children. After her children began school, she attended Knoxville Business College and graduated with honors obtaining her Associates Degree. Clara began her career outside the home at Doyle High School as the Administrative Assistant to the principal and later became the secretary for New Hopewell Baptist Church. She retired from Baptist Hospital after close to 20 years serving as the Administrative Assistant to the hospital CEO. Clara was an active member, sang in the choir and enjoyed teaching Sunday School at New Hopewell Baptist Church and later at Mt. Olive Baptist Church.
Clara was preceded in death by her loving husband of 59 years, Jack Norton; son; Keith Norton; father, James Richardson; mother, Myrtle Price and brother, Jerry Price.
She is survived by son, Dean and wife, Julie Norton; daughter, Jackie Ruth Smith; 7 grandchildren; 11 great grandchildren; 1 great-great grandchild; brother, Gary and wife, Janet Richardson; sisters, Mae Barlow, Ida Underwood; sister-in-law, Carol Price; several nieces, nephews and extended family members.
The family would like to extend their heartfelt appreciation to the staff at Morning Pointe in Columbia, TN for their wonderful care.
The family will receive friends Monday, October 28, 2024, between the hours of 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM in the chapel of Berry Funeral Home, 3704 Chapman Hwy, Knoxville with a funeral service to begin at 6:30 PM officiated by dear friend and Rev. Stan Breeden. The funeral will be live-streamed on the Berry Funeral Home Facebook page. Family and friends will meet Tuesday, October 29, 2024, at East Tennessee State Veterans Cemetery, 220 East Governor John Sevier Hwy, Knoxville for a 10:00 AM Interment. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Clara Norton to Alzheimer's Tennessee, Inc. East TN Office, 5801 Kingston Pike, Knoxville, TN 37919.
Serving as pallbearers:
Ryan, Cody and Randy Norton, Scottie Javins, John Davidson and Kendrick Davis.
Honorary pallbearer:
Adam Trudell
Online condolences and fond memories may be shared with the Norton family at www.berryfuneralhome.com