Sophia Norton Sanderson

LAURINBURG — Sophia Graham Norton Sanderson, 79, passed away on Jan. 12, 2014.

Funeral services will be at 3 p.m. on Wednesday at the Laurinburg Pentecostal Holiness Church officiated by the Rev. G.W. Wilson and the Rev. Woody Byrd. Burial will follow the service in Scotland Cemetery.

Sophia was born on Aug. 27, 1934 in Marlboro County, daughter of the late Waymon and Alma Polston Graham. She was the beloved wife to the late David Sanderson. She was a devoted homemaker and worked in the restaurant business before retiring. Sophia served as a member of the Laurinburg Pentecostal Holiness Church and loved studying God's word. Before her illness, she enjoyed gardening and cooking. She truly loved spending time with her family and friends. She was also preceded in death by her sister Irene Byrd.

Surviving are her sons Ronnie Paul Norton of Gibson, Jerry Wayne Norton and wife Barbara of Laurinburg and Vanessa Strickland and husband Alex of Pembroke, daughter-in-law Debbie Sheppard of Laurel Hill, eight grandchildren: Sha Blackwell (Chris), Brandy Norton, Joeie Giddens (Tina), Chris Norton, Stacie Norton, April Martin (David), Josh Norton, and Jessie Norton, 16 great-grandchildren, and a host of family and friends.

Visitation will be from 6-8 p.m. on Tuesday at the Laurinburg Pentecostal Holiness Church.

The family requests that memorial gifts be made in her memory to the Laurinburg Pentecostal Holiness Church, P.O. Box 1651, Laurinburg, NC 28353.

Services entrusted to Richard Boles Funeral Service.