Laurabelle Norris
CANAL FULTON - Laurabelle Norris, aged 95, passed away peacefully on August 8, 2024 at the Compassionate Care Center of Aultman Hospital in Canton. A lifelong resident of Canal Fulton, Laurabelle was born on March 6, 1929, to Opal P. and Cullen B. Mays. She graduated from Canal Fulton High School in 1947, and married Arthur V. Norris, Jr. on July 9, 1949. She is survived by her sons, Bruce (Carol), Satsuma, AL; Tod (Stephani), Zoar; and Scott (Sonia), Florence, MA; by her grandchildren, Dana (Kenneth), Oxford, England; Amy, Canal Fulton; Hali (Kevin), Dalton; Ryan (Nicole), Norton; Cody, Mt. Vernon, AL; and Micala (Ohio); and by seven great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by her husband; her grandson, Jesse; and her son, Lance. Laurabelle was an unassuming woman with simple tastes. She was devoted to her husband of nearly seventy years, and her family; she was an excellent cook and baker, with memories of her vast holiday meals and delicious cakes and pies remaining strong in the family; and she loved her house, which Arthur built in the1960’s, and which she proudly showed to visitors. Although not an avid gardener, Laurabelle had a “green thumb,” and displayed flowers in vases around the house from early spring through the last frost and beyond. She delighted in her large collection of frog figurines, and had many contented hours with Punchy, Tuesday, and Muffin, the three beloved boxers that she and Arthur raised over several decades. After her sons were old enough to fend for themselves, she was employed as a bookkeeper by several area businesses, enjoying both the work and the camaraderie of her co-workers. She never missed an opportunity to watch the Cleveland Browns on television, cheering the team’s good plays excitedly, even though her understanding of football was hazy at best. The Canal Fulton United Methodist Church was a mainstay throughout her life, particularly in recent years, when church members were an important source of comfort and companionship. She also appreciated the support she received from her neighbors, who watched over her attentively in the years after Arthur’s death. Her family would like to thank the staff members of Chapel Hill Community and the Compassionate Care Center of Aultman Hospital who cared for Laurabelle in her final months.
Calling hours will be held at the Canal Fulton United Methodist Church, 363 Cherry Street, Canal Fulton, at 1pm on Saturday, August 24, 2024, with a memorial service to follow at 2pm. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Canal Fulton United Methodist Church. www.swigarteasterlingfuneralhome.com, Swigart-Easterling, 330-854-2356