Mrs. Sonia “Sunny” Ethel Norton, 80, passed away in Nacogdoches, Texas on Thursday May 3, 2012. She was born on September 6, 1931 to parents, Daniel Henry Thorogate and Hilda Maud (Hooker) in Southrepps, Cromer Norfolk, England. A memorial service will be at Cason Monk-Metcalf Sunset Chapel on Saturday at 2:00 pm. Pastor John McGuire will officiate. A private inurnment will take place at Alazan Cemetery in the Alazan Community at a later date.
Mrs. Norton is preceded in death by her husband, Willie Eugene Norton; son, Robert Norton; daughter, Vonnie Lou Norton; and four brothers and sisters.
She is survived by her son, Clifton Norton and wife Diane of Madisonville, Texas; daughters, Joann Gailley and husband Daniel Libby of Nacogdoches, Joan Keefer and husband Jody Keefer of North Zulch, Tx; grandchildren, Adam, John Paul, and Eric Norton, Jennifer Gailley and husband Jimmie Foy of Garrison, Tx, Nikki and Brandi Norton, Robert Norton, Nathaniel Gailley; six great grandchildren; sisters; Unice Baker, Rosie Thorogate of Norfolk, England; brothers, Edwin Thorogate of Norfolk, England, Daniel Thorogate of Queensland, Australia and numerous nieces and nephews.
Sunny will be greatly missed by her family and friends. She known as independent, responsible, “stubborn as an ox”, but most of all Sunny had an enormous heart to give to people who were in need. She was devoted to her family and to her bible and taught her family to be self learners and have good commonsense. She was not a quitter and kept an immaculately clean house. She served her community as a waitress for over 35 years at the Coral Café in Madisonville, Texas. We will smile when we remember her and she will forever be in our hearts.
Arrangements are under the direction of Cason Monk-Metcalf Funeral Directors. Online condolences may be offered at www.casonmonkmetclaf.com
