Mrs. Linda Delores Norton

NORTON, Mrs. Linda Delores. - Age 91, passed away Wednesday, September 4, 2024, at her residence. Family hour 10:30 AM Friday, September 13, 2024, at Christ Fellowship Missionary Baptist Church.317 E. Hamilton Ave., with funeral service commencing at 11:00 AM, Pastor Allen C. Overton Sr., officiating. Interment, Great Lakes National Cemetery, Holly, Michigan. Friends and pallbearers will assemble at the Church 10:30 AM Friday. Mrs. Norton will lie in state in the Chapel of Lawrence E. Moon Funeral Home, 906 W. Flint Park Blvd. and may be viewed from 12:00 PM-6:00 PM Thursday. Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Services will begin at 5:00 PM Thursday. Linda Delores Norton, born on May 24, 1933, in Okolona, Arkansas, peacefully transitioned from this life on September 4, 2024, at the age of 91. She was the beloved daughter of the late Allen Payne Jr. and Hazel Gordon Payne. Linda graduated from Simmon's High School in Okolona in 1951. Following her graduation, she moved to Little Rock, Arkansas, where she attended Dunbar Junior College. On October 5, 1952, Linda married the love of her life, Rogers Norton Sr., with whom she shared 72 beautiful years of marriage. Their union was blessed with two children, Roger Jr. and Sheila. In 1955, Linda and her family relocated to Flint, Michigan, where she pursued higher education at Flint Junior College, the University of Michigan Flint, and Central Michigan University. She dedicated her career to serving the Flint community, working in various roles, including positions with the Flint Community School District's Crime & Delinquency Program, as a Social Worker in the Probate Foster Care Division, and as a Home School Counselor for the Flint Community Schools. Linda also worked as a real estate agent with Howard Bryant Home and Suburban Realty and Norton Real Estate Company. However, her true passion was serving as the Stepping Stone Program Director, a role she held until her retirement in 1992. Linda's community involvement was vast and impactful. She was a proud member of the Michigan Area Retired School Personnel (MARSP), the Central Flint Optimist Club, and Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., Zeta Beta Zeta Chapter. She also served as a former Great Lakes District Assistant Youth Director and Wolverine State Assistant Youth Director. Linda contributed her time to various organizations, including the Business & Professional Club of Great Lakes & Wolverine State, the Thursday Afternoon Club, and the Ophelia Bonner Scholarship Committee. She was a dedicated member of Christ Fellowship Baptist Church, where she taught Sunday School for many years, serving under the leadership of Rev. Alfred L.C Robbs & Rev. Leroy Shelton. Linda remained a faithful member until her health declined. She also served as a Cub Scout Leader and a Booster Band Parent at Northern High School. In her leisure time, Linda found joy in reading and spending time with her family and friends. Before her health limited her physical activities, she enjoyed bowling and golf. Linda Delores Norton leaves behind a legacy of love, faith, and service. She will be deeply missed by: her husband, Rogers Norton; children, Roger Jr. (Cynthia) and Sheila; 5 grandchildren, Roger Norton III, Syveeta Powell, Jayla (Coley) Gracey, Darrius (Amanda) Norton and Dayna (Darrell) McGhee; 8 great-grandchildren, Caley, Salera, Jania, Daniel, Bennet, Rowen, Leila and Izra; several nieces and nephews as well as her extended family, friends, and all those whose lives she touched throughout her remarkable journey. Linda was preceded in death by her parents, Allen & Hazel Payne; brothers, Allen (Louise) Payne and Clifford (Ithalean) Payne; son-in-law, Clyde Jenkins; sisters-in-law, Bobby Jean & Esther “ReeRee”; mother and father-in-law, Clint and Arizona Norton. The family would like to express special thanks to Lula Jones, The Heartland Hospices Care Team, Homestead Care, Valarie Jackson, Sheila Wells, Jennifer Bell, Annette Smith, Chenita Holley, Lloyd “Gator” Gaither, Pastor Allen C. Overton Sr. and the Christ Fellowship Missionary Baptist Church Family. Linda's spirit of generosity, leadership, and compassion will continue to inspire those who knew her. Rest in peace, Linda Delores Norton. You will be forever cherished.

Mrs. Linda Delores Norton

May 24, 1933 - September 4, 2024