Cornelia Wilma Norton

Cornelia Wilma “Connie” Norton, age 85, passed away unexpectedly the morning of April 24th, 2017, at Baylor Scott & White Medical Center in Garland, TX. She was born on February 8th, 1932, to parents Perry Charles Hurtt, Sr. and Mildred Pearl (Eaton) Hurtt in Geneva, IL, and was raised in the township of Batavia, IL.

Cornelia and her late husband, James Edward “Jim” Norton, exchanged vows and were married on November 7th, 1954. The couple was blessed with 7 children.

Upon acquiring her real estate license, Cornelia took a job as a realtor with Katella Realty Inc. in Anaheim, CA. She was also employed with Boeing on the MD-80 program as an Electrical Wire Assembler in Long Beach, CA.

In addition to the responsibilities and provisions of employment, Cornelia not only dedicated her life to the role she filled as the natural mother of 7, but graciously opened her heart and home- becoming “Mom” by name and virtue to countless others.

In her spare time, Cornelia enjoyed painting, volunteering and socializing with fellow members of the Bethany Fellowship Ministries congregation (formerly Bethany Lighthouse), and actively practicing and strengthening her faith through biblical studies.

Her family and friends will always remember her as the compassionate, tolerant, resilient, unconditionally loving heart of the family.

Cornelia is preceded in death by her parents, Perry Charles Hurtt, Sr. and Mildred Pearl (Eaton) Hurtt, husband, James Edward “Jim” Norton, eldest son, James Cornelius “Bud” Norton, and sister, Barbara Pearl (Hurtt) Lawrence. She is survived by brothers Perry Charles Hurtt, Jr., Herbert James Hurtt, and Gordon Leroy Hurtt; children Mary Elizabeth (Norton) Sutphin & husband Ronald Sutphin, Mark Andrew Norton, Sr. & wife Christine Norton, Samuel Stephen Norton, Deborah Ann (Norton) Kepner, John David Norton & wife Emily (Klesken) Norton, Daniel Amos Norton & wife Maria Josefa Norton. Cornelia also leaves behind 37 grandchildren, and a number of great grandchildren.

Having survived breast cancer and a life-altering car accident, Cornelia is lovingly remembered as a woman of remarkable integrity, whose hope, faith, and courage persevered in the face of adversity. Through sickness and in health, and in all changes of fortune, she honored her vows as a loyal and devoted wife. Cornelia cherished the time spent with her family, taking immense pride in watching her grandchildren raise their kids in much the same way she raised her own. In life, her spirit garnered the respect and admiration of those blessed to know her. As she rests, her memory will do the same.