Lucy Norris

Waynesville-On November 22nd, Mrs. Lucy Norris (neé Smathers), 90, ceased suffering and joined her late husband, William C. Norris in heaven. Lucy grew up in a large Canton family who were involved in the community and boasted the once-only market in town. Her parents, Walter and Addie, raised seven children. Lucy is survived by Gertrude Smathers, Esther Roberts, and Garrett Smathers; and she was preceded in death by her other siblings Opal Wilson, Underwood Smathers, and Loranzo Smathers. Shortly before World War II, contractor Bill Norris walked into the dental office for an appointment where Lucy was working, and promptly swept her off her feet. They married and moved to Waynesville where she spent the remainder of her life. She and Bill raised one son, also named Bill, and grew an ever-reliable construction business. Other businesses they jointly owned included a furniture store, concrete company, and several commercial rental properties. Lucy constantly improved her mind through self-teaching. Her interests included: architecture, foreign travel and languages, drawing and painting, horticulture, astronomy, history, and cooking. She valued people from all walks-of-life and incorporated what she learned from them into her knowledge-base. Her son, Bill Norris, and her grandchildren, Meredith Norris and William Norris, are heartbroken over the loss of arguably one of the finest, smartest, and strongest ladies on earth. The family will host a celebration of life service at home on November 30th in the afternoon. Her granddaughter requests the guests wear cheery attire, as Lucy absolutely detested dark clothing. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Alzheimer's Disease Foundation, 31 College Place, Suite D320, Asheville, NC 28801.