Debra Ann Hensley Norton, 61, of North Fork Road in Barnardsville, joined her Heavenly Father in eternity on Tuesday, November 29th when He called her home. The daughter of Clarence Hensley and Nora Hensley and a lifelong resident of the Big Ivy Community, Debbie was loved by many and will be deeply missed by her family and friends. Her lifelong struggle with many physical ailments, most notably Lupus, gave her a resiliency and strength that everyone admired. Her consistent and selfless concern for others was unmatched.
After working more than 40 years at Mills Manufacturing, Debbie was retired and enjoyed spending as much time as she could with her grandchildren. Her grandchildren loved her greatly and will miss their Friday "Nana Days".
Debbie was widowed much too young when she lost her husband, Rev. Donald M. Norton, many years ago. Debbie married Michael Rice later in life and was incredibly blessed to find that someone special twice in one lifetime.
Debbie is survived by her husband and best friend, Michael Rice; mother, Nora Hensley; father, Clarence Hensley and wife, Peggy; her son Jason Norton and wife Rachel; granddaughter Anna Norton and grandson, Cole Norton; sister, Kathy Burleson and husband Kenneth; brother, Chris Hensley and wife Sheri; stepsister, Darlene Dodd and husband Darryl; stepbrother Wayne Watts; great-nephews, and great-nieces. Although somewhat separated by her husband Donald’s death many years ago, she remained close with her mother-in-law, Ava Norton and her many brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law over the years, especially her good friends and neighbors, Jimmy and Evonne Thomas. Debbie is also survived by her nieces and nephews: Scotty, Tiffany, Derek, Dana, Brandy, Alisha, Kristy, Amy, Michael, Melissa, Shane, Jeremy, Melinda, Henry, and Jessica; and many great-nieces and great-nephews. She was also preceded in death by a brother-in-law, Larry Norton and a step-sister, Sandy Pitts.
A funeral service will be held at 2:00pm Sunday, December 4, 2016 at Piney Mountain Baptist Church in Weaverville. The Rev. Steve Freeman, Rev. Eugene Stump and Mr. Sean Rice will officiate. Burial will follow immediately after the service at Greenwood Cemetery on Martins Creek Road in Barnardsville. The family will receive friends from 5pm to 7pm on Saturday, December 3 at Blue Ridge Funeral Service in Mars Hill.
Flowers are accepted and appreciated. Donations in Debbie's honor may also be made to the Piney Mountain Baptist Church Building Fund (150 Elkins Branch Road; Weaverville, NC 28787) or to the Barnardsville Fire Department (100 Dillingham Rd; Barnardsville, NC 28709).