Severia Boles Norton

We are sad to announce that Severia B. Norton (Toni), 92 years old, the daughter of the late Essie D. McCray Silva and stepfather the late William S. Johnson passed away peacefully in Valrico, Florida on October 4, 2025.

Toni was born and raised in Jacksonville, Florida. She attended Boylan-Haven School for Girls, Old Stanton High School, class of 1951, graduated with a BA degree in Elementary Education and completed an Art degree in 1955 at Florida A&M University and began her career as an Elementary Teacher.

Later she married the late Eugene Lee Norton and raised two beautiful children together. Preceded in death by Kevin Lee Norton and Joseph McCray Jr.

She taught at George Washington Carver, Rufus E. Payne and Lake Lucina. She affectionately loved each of her students and was loved by each of them.

At an early age she professed her faith in Jesus Christ and joined Second Missionary Baptist Church, Jacksonville, Florida and later joined Woodlawn Presbyterian Church USA, Jacksonville, Florida.

She had a passion for African Art, Black History, Jazz Festivals, Traveling, Cruises, making jewelry out of copper inspired by an African Instructor, painting, creating pictures from dried flowers, visiting friends, reading autobiographies, taking pictures, exploring museums, attending Broadway shows, hosting baby showers, enjoyed the Pride book club led by Marsha Dean, fashion shows, music concerts (she really loved Diana Ross and Prince). Severia always had a warm heart and a kind word.

She is survived by her sister, Jolita McCray Wainwright, her daughter Kerri Lynn Norton Madison (Kenneth); of Valrico, FL; her grandchildren Ronald Lawson, Faith Elise Norton; both of Jacksonville FL, Kourtni Severia Madison Tampa FL; and a host of nieces and nephews, her Godchildren; Teresa Dennis, Gwen Dickinson and Patricia Farmer-Woods, family friend Kenneth Yates and best friend Rosa Exson.

She will be deeply missed.

A visitation will be held at Hardage-Giddens, Riverside Memorial Park & Funeral Home, located at 7242 Normandy Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32205, on October 9, 2025, from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm.

The funeral service is scheduled for October 10, 2025, at 11:00 am at Woodlawn Presbyterian Church USA, 3026 Woodlawn Rd, Jacksonville, FL 32209. The committal service will immediately follow the funeral service at Edgewood Cemetery, 4519 N Edgewood Dr, Jacksonville, FL 32219.