Virginia Norton

She was a native of Brunswick County born on April 20, 1926 to the late Harvey Talmage Varnam and Lovie Fulford Varnam whom she honored as long as they lived.

Virginia was a member of Dixon Chapel Methodist Church where she eventually became the oldest living member. This is where she donated the many books she read that created a library for many of the church ladies to have access to. Not only was reading a favorite pastime, but she also enjoyed crocheting, quilting and sewing. She could create any design, even without a pattern to guide her. In fact, her only job away from home was as a seamstress at Highlanders Garment Plant in Shallotte. Her hands were almost always in motion and rarely still. Her all-time favorite pastime was traveling with church groups and family exploring new places and creating unforgettable experiences together. She especially enjoyed all the many trips that her niece Julia Holden and Susan took her on. She was truly blessed throughout her long life, surrounded by lots of friends who helped her create lifetime memories. Other highlights of her life included leading a girl scout troop where she mentored young girls for six years, as well as volunteering at Autumn Care of Shallotte, which allowed her to give back to her community in meaningful ways.

Along with her parents, Virginia was preceded in death by her husband, Junior Norton, of forty-four years; her son, Kenneth Earl Norton (Kenny); an infant great-granddaughter, Megan Rikard; her three brothers, Hodges Varnam, Talmage Varnam, Cortland Varnam (Bobbie); sisters along with their spouses, Buena Phelps (Tebo), Ophelia Lancaster (Wilson), and Lucille Butterbaugh (Ordell); and six nephews. These family members were always close to her heart and deeply cherished by her.

Left behind to mourn her passing include her son, James Norton (Becky) of Supply; daughters, Wilma Rikard (Freddie) of Gastonia, Regina Lowry (Heyward) of Shallotte; grandchildren, Jeremy Rikard, Majannah Ramsey (Brian), Eric Brown (Becky), Jennifer Dixon (Robbie); great-grandchildren, Payton Helton (Case), Hannah Rikard, Haley Cooke (Morgan), Preston Rikard, Kendall Stanley, Aubrey Brown, Teagan Dixon, Avery Ramsey, Marshall Rikard, Cooper Brown, Anna Brown, Phoenix Brown, Zayne Brown; great-great-grandchildren, Holden Helton and Haddie Helton.

She was always eager to share that she was blessed to have five generations of females in her family. She also leaves many nieces, nephews and friends that she enjoyed having in her life. She always felt deeply loved by everyone around her.

The family would like to express their heartfelt appreciation to Autumn Care of Shallotte. Everyone that came in contact with her started out as staff but quickly became family to her and us as well. Thank you for being so good to her and making her feel special.

The family will receive friends from 1:00 to 2:00 pm on Tuesday, May 5, 2026 in the White Funeral Home Shallotte Chapel with a Celebration of Life to follow at 2:00 pm with Pastor J.B. Kennedy officiating.

Interment will follow the service at Brunswick Memorial Gardens.

Online condolences may be made at www.shallottefunerals.com

White Funeral and Cremation Service, Shallotte, North Carolina.