Norma Hunt Horton

Norma Hunt Horton, 94, of Raleigh, NC departed this life on April 30, 2018 after an extended illness. Norma was born on August 18, 1923 in Portsmouth, VA, the second daughter of the late John and Mary Wilson Hunt. After attending high school, Norma began a 12 year career in the Federal Court system in Norfolk, VA. She was the youngest appointee as Deputy Clerk of Federal Court in the country at that time. Norma served in the Citizenship Division where she helped administer the Oath of Allegiance to new citizens of the United States. She performed her duties with enthusiasm and took great pride in her service.

During and after WWII, Norma was actively involved in the USO and other charitable entities in aid of the returning Navy men from war. She also taught ballroom dancing and tap. Her love of dance was a passion that stayed with her until her death. In 1951, she was introduced to a young navy man, Walter Lee Horton, Jr., of Raleigh, NC. After a six month courtship, they married on December 26, 1952. After Walter’s discharge from the Navy, the newlyweds returned to North Carolina. While Walter attended law school at UNC- Chapel Hill, Norma worked in various occupations. The couple settled in Raleigh, NC.

While Walter worked as an attorney, Norma embraced her life as a homemaker, creating a warm and inviting home. One daughter was born of the marriage. Norma’s southern upbringing translated into a gracious way of living. She adored cooking delicious meals for her immediate and extended family. Her home gave her a great sense of comfort. She also enjoyed the companionship of a close knit neighborhood, golfing, yard work, bridge and involvement with the Girl Scouts. In later years, Norma found her sense of purpose in helping others. She was always ready with a home cooked meal for the family of the deceased. Her giving spirit was ingrained from childhood and resulted in many close friends. Norma was deeply devoted to her church, Hayes Barton United Methodist Church. She was a regular attendee and was actively involved in Circle 8, a close community of fellow worshipers.

Norma was predeceased by her loving husband of 54 years, Walter Lee Horton, Jr. in 2006. She was also predeceased by her sister, Dorothy Hunt Hopkins and her husband, Vincent Paul Hopkins of Portsmouth, VA.

She is survived by her daughter, Mary Beth Horton (Grady) and son in law, Joseph Norton Grady, Jr. She is also survived by two nieces, one nephew and their families. Most recently, Norma can be quoted as saying “please do not mourn for me too long when I am gone. I have had a wonderful life! Everything has always worked out just perfect!”

Our family would like to give heartfelt thanks to Norma’s devoted in home caregivers, Lisa Dunlow Perry of Louisburg, NC, Ann Pogue of Raleigh, NC , Cynthia Carruthers and Carolene Spraling. Special thanks go out to Home Instead Senior Care, Inc. including Gladys Juma and Melody Henderson who have been faithful friends. Also, our family would like to thank Transitions Life Care for their support during mother’s decline.

A funeral service will be held at Hayes Barton United Methodist Church on Thursday, May 3rd at 2:00 pm. A reception will follow in the Fellowship Hall. Burial will take place at the Historic Oakwood Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials would be welcomed to The Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, 26 Broadway, 14th floor, New York, NY 10004 or to Hayes Barton United Methodist Church, 2209 Fairview Rd., Raleigh, NC 27608.

Arrangements by Brown Wynne Funeral Home, St. Mary’s St. Raleigh, NC.