Mrs. Mary Ruth Norton

Mary Ruth Norton, better known as “Nana”, entered eternal rest on May 1, 2024. Mary was born in Norlina, North Carolina on November 10, 1941, to Lula Mae Robinson. She came to Shiloh Baptist Church with her husband (Oliver) and joined in 1961. Mary loved the Lord and served in various ministries for several years prior to her failing health. She graduated from Parker Gray High School in Alexandria, VA. She also took several courses at Northern Virginia Community College. Mary worked for the Alexandria Public School System for 37 years teaching kindergarten and first grade students. She was a member of the Executive Board of the Educational Association, President of the Paraprofessional Advisory Council, State Delegate to the National Educational Support Personnel Convention, coach and mentor of novice teaching staff, facilitated new teacher orientation programs, developed the “What Your Child Should Know….” seminar series to introduce parents to the Alexandria Public School System, developed partnerships with public and private charitable organizations to provide books and materials to elementary school students, was Lead Teacher of the 4-H Club Program for Cora Kelly Magnet Elementary School for many years and was cited in the 2005 edition of “Who’s Who of American Teachers”. Mary “Nana”, loved bowling, cooking, baking, thrifting, children, entertaining, and spending time with her family and friends. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend. She had a generous heart, humorous spirit, and dedication and commitment to serving the Lord and others. Mary is preceded in death by her mother Lula Mae Robinson, and other children Oliver L. Norton, Jr. and Deborah Anne Norton. She is survived by her husband Oliver L. Norton, Sr; children Nia Shabazz-Moore (Donald) and Antoinette “Toni” Wilder; grandchildren Hakim Wiggins, Ciara Banks, and Mariah Wilder; brother Ben Parish (Althea), sister Florence Moore, and daughter-in-law Janet Norton. Mary will also be fondly missed by brothers and sister-in-laws in the Norton family, the Jackson family, many nieces and nephews and host of family and friends.

Mrs. Mary Ruth Norton

November 10, 1941 - May 1, 2024

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