Joy Marie Norton

Joy Marie Dunlap-Norton was called home to the Lord on July 28, 2024. Joy was born on March 25, 1939 in Andrews County. She attended Olden High School and later Commercial College and Midland College. Joy met the love of her life, Dale Norton while attending high school at Olden and they married on September 3, 1955. Joy had many clerical jobs in her life, including Manor Park in Human Resources, and Clover House in Human Resources. She retired from Liberty Mutual where she had worked for 30 years as an office manager in the claims department.

Joy loved her animals, which included a parakeet named Bobby and a German Shepard named Big Boy. Joy taught Bobby to say Pretty Boy and make wolf whistles. Big Boy was always by her side and would watch her harvest vegetables in her garden. He even brought ripe okra to the door when Joy had forgotten to harvest it.

She cherished the friends she made in her career and church community. They have many stories to share but unfortunately are not available to speak at this time. Joy was a member of West Way Church of Christ and loved her church family. She enjoyed painting, sculpting, decorating, singing, playing piano, writing songs and sewing.

She is preceded in death by her husband, F. Dale Norton who passed on November 5, 2020; parents, Vernon and Lola Dunlap; and daughter-in-law, Mary.

Joy is survived by her son, Teddy Dale and wife Shelley Marie of Linder, TX; Laddie and wife Erin of Odessa, TX; daughter, Alena Gail of Midland, TX; brother, Marshall Dunlap and wife Ruth of East, TX. Joy was blessed with 12 grandchildren, 16 great grandchildren, and 1 great-great grandchild that will be born in September.

The family will receive friends and family for visitation on Thursday, July 25, 2024 from 4-8 PM at Ellis Funeral Home. Services will be held Friday, July 26, 2024 at 10 AM at Ellis Funeral Home with Kevin Fox officiating. Burial will follow at Serenity Memorial Gardens Cemetery. Pallbearers will include family and friends of her