Kathryn M. Norris

Mrs. Kathryn (Kay) Norris, 86, passed away at 7:44 AM on Monday, June 6, 2016, at her home on Jekyll Island with her daughters by her side. She was a native of Tuckerman, Arkansas and moved to Detroit, Michigan in the 1940’s. She married Gene Norris, who served on an aircraft carrier in the South Pacific during WWII, in 1947. Kay and Gene worked their lives side by side in Hazel Park, Michigan. The Norris Family owned multiple businesses in the Metropolitan area of Detroit. The Norris Family moved to Georgia in 1960 and their entrepreneurship continued in Georgia as they owned properties in both, McIntosh and Glynn Counties. They both were business managers and owners for hotels and restaurants. She served as Grand Worthy Matron of the Eastern Star in 1973. She was instrumental in helping develop Oglethorpe Academy Private School in McIntosh County. They built several homes on Jekyll Island in 1964 and retired to Jekyll Island in 1986. Retirement did not last long as they bought a business on Jekyll, The Jekyll Island Beverage Center Incorporated, they owned and operated it for 27 years.

Kathryn was a consummate mother and homemaker. She was an excellent cook and enjoyed preparing meals for her family and friends. Over the years she collected a large library of cookbooks from around the world. She also loved to watch food and cooking channels on television. Her greatest joy, apart from her family, was keeping a beautiful yard with blooming flowers and plants. She loved to travel finding the perfect destinations for family gatherings.

She was proceeded in death by her parents Earl and Thelma Jacobs and her husband Gene Norris. Also, proceeding her in death were, her brother, James Jacobs, and, sister, Wanda Garrison. She is survived by three daughters, Dr. Patricia Norris-Parsons, of Jekyll Island, GA, Sandy Drury of Brunswick, GA, Pamela Strickland of Jacksonville, Florida. She is also survived by Three Grandchildren, Chelle Thomas of Jacksonville, FL, Alacia (Christopher) Seawell, of Brunswick, GA, Braxton Parsons of Atlanta, GA, One Great Granddaughter, Alexandria Seawell of Brunswick, GA. She is survived by many nieces, nephews and cousins.

The family will receive guests at Edo Miller Funeral Home on Friday, June 10th from 6:00 to 8:00 PM.

Crypt side funeral services will be held at Oglethorpe Memorial Gardens, St. Simons Island, Saturday, June 11th at 11:00 AM followed by a celebration of her life at Brunswick Manor.

Active pallbearers will be Braxton Parsons, Dale Parsons, Chris Seawell, Tony Garrison, and Greg Garrison.

Honorary pallbearers will be Dr. R.H. Thompson, Dr. Jack Milton, Dr. Michael Butler, Gilbert McLemore P.C., and Dr. Enrique J. Fernandez.

Contributions may be made in her honor to the Jekyll Island Sea Turtle Center, 214 Stable Road, Jekyll Island, GA 31527.

Edo Miller and Sons Funeral Home entrusted with services. www.edomillerandsons.com