Martha Jean Norris

Mrs. Martha Jean Norris of Huntsville, AL passed away on May 24, 2025. Martha was born in Chattanooga, TN on February 28,1932 to the late John Henderson “Coon” Wilson and Beulah Shields Wilson. When Martha was an infant, she lost her mother in a tragic accident and was then raised in the home of her aunt and uncle, Lula Shields Sexton and Boyce Campbell Sexton.

Martha attended the University of Alabama where she met and later married her husband Omar Joe Norris in 1953. Shortly thereafter they built their dream home as one of the first residents on the newly developed Monte Sano Mountain.

Martha loved to entertain and always welcomed the opportunity to be a gracious hostess for parties as well as welcoming many foreign dignitaries to dinner in their home. Martha was known for her quick wit and dry sense of humor. She was a wonderful cook and loved to work in her yard with flowers and plants. Martha was an avid reader and continued to visit Huntsville Public Library weekly until she was 91 years of age.

As a lifelong member of Memorial Parkway Church of Christ, most recently named Chase Park Church of Christ, she brought her Christian faith into everything she did. She never missed an opportunity to share the Gospel not only through words but through her deeds. Martha had a servant’s heart, and she was a great friend to many and a wonderful mother, Granny and GG.

She was proceeded in death by her husband Joe Norris (2001) and her sisters (cousins) Omah Romanchick, Becky Lindner and Tommy Lou Raines.

Those left to cherish her memory are her sister (cousin) Linda Shields Payne, daughter Lisa Harwell (David), and son Bradley Glenn Norris. Grandchildren: James Leo Malone, Kelly Erin Malone, Logan Beddingfield Carter (Travis), Winston Samuel Beddingfield, Eden Cole Norris, Aynsley Grace Norris, John David Harwell, Brooks Bailey Harwell, and two great grandchildren.

The family would like to say a special thank you to the nurses and staff at Regency Rehab for being so supportive as well as Aveanna Hospice for their council and assistance.

The services will be held at Valhalla Funeral Home on Friday May 30, 2025. Visitation from 11-12pm and funeral at 12pm. Martha will then be interred beside her beloved Joe at Valhalla Memory Gardens.