Photo courtesy of Paul Funeral Home of Washington
Washington, North Carolina
Sep 1, 1940 – Jan 3, 2026
Mary Frances “Fran” Norman Burbage, age 85, a resident of Bath, NC died Saturday January 3, 2026, at Ridgewood Manor Living and Rehabilitation.
A funeral service will be held 2:00 PM Tuesday January 6, 2026, at St. Clairs Church of Christ and will be officiated by Craig Hagen. A burial will follow in the church cemetery.
The family will receive friends from 6:00PM until 8:00PM Monday January 5, 2026, at Paul Funeral Home & Crematory of Washington.
Mrs. Burbage was born in Memphis, TN on September 1, 1940, to the late John Nolan Norman and Agnes Counts Norman. On December 19, 1957, she married James T. Burbage who preceded her in death on April 20, 2015. She was a Nursing assistant and worked on the vent unit at Pungo Hospital and dis transportation, she was an EMT instructor and loved to teach. Mrs. Burbage enjoyed working at Pungo Hospital, teaching EMT’s, and racecars. She raced cars, and loved watching her sons, grandsons, and even great grandsons race. She was a member of St. Clair’s Church of Christ, and a charter member of Bath Community EMS where she served on the board of directors until 2026.
Survivors include her son, Don Burbage of Bath, seven grandchildren, Thomas Burbage, Jr and wife Jaime, Adam Burbage and wife Rica, Crystal Paul-Stox and husband Michael, Mark Allen Paul and wife Jessi, Hailey Victoria Burbage, Donny Burbage, Lacey Garnes and husband Charles, seven great grandchildren, Landon, Brynlee, Camden, Parker, Bronson, Kepler, Indigo, a brother, Marshall “Mike” Ray Norman and wife Martha of Florida, and a daughter-in-law, Darla Burbage.
In addition to her husband, she is preceded in death by a daughter, Barbara Burbage Paul, two sons, Jim Burbage, Jr., Tom Burbage, Sr., and four brothers, Jim Norman, Jackie Norman, Gene Norman, and Dale Norman.
To Invest in Mrs. Burbage’s passion of helping others in EMS with scholarships for EMTs, AEMTS or Paramedic, in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Beaufort County Community College Foundation, 5337 US Highway 264 E., Washington, NC 27889. For assistance with cash or credit/debit card donations, please call the Foundation at 252 940 6326.
Paul Funeral Home & Crematory of Washington is honored to serve the Burbage family.
Read MoreI used to work at Ridgewood about 4 years ago Mrs Burbage was very special to me. I have thought about her often and recently ran across her obituary. Don, so sorry for your loss. You were so loyal to your mom. I’ll keep your family in my prayers. Brenda Jenkins
February 02, 2026
Miss Fran will be missed
We went and visited her alot.
She was a sweet lady.
She taught my CPR class yrs back.
And I have missed her teaching us that wished to renew our certification.
The family is in our thoughts and prayers
Connie & Walter Watson
January 08, 2026 | Pinetown, NC | Friend
Crystal & family;
So to hear of Ms. Frans passing. May we all share the many fond memories we have of her, mine of all the countless EMT classes that she let me help with many years ago.
May the Lord comfort each and everyone in the days to come.
Johnny Woolard
January 06, 2026 | Washington, NC
I did not know her personally, but saw her in the hallway at Ridgewood and always spoke to her and she always had a big smile on her face. I am so sorry for your loss!
Joyce Gardner
January 06, 2026 | WASHINGTON, NC
with when she was riding rescue and I was working in the ED at BCH. She was dedicated and a credit to her profession> Think of her often! I enjoyed calling her friend!
Linda Kinnion Williams Anderson
January 05, 2026 | Winterville, NC | Friend
I am so very sorry for your loss. I was lucky enough to work with Fran at Pungo Hospital. I knew right then and there what a special lady she was and how loved. Unbelievably my daughter took care of Fran at Ridgewood Nursing home—Fran remembered me from yrs gone by. She is a beautiful shining angel -and will look over you.
Brenda Menard
January 05, 2026 | Greenville, NC | Coworker
I did not know Mrs Burbage but always enjoyed seeing her sweet smile in the hall at Ridgewood when visiting Dad. Praying comfort for her family.
Susan Moss Jobes
January 05, 2026 | Washington, NC | Acquaintance
Crystal, Mark and family, it’s hard to put into words how much I loved Mrs. Fran. Some of my favorite memories from high school were the times when we would go on VICA trips and I would wind up in Mr. Jim’s and Mrs. Fran’s room watching baseball, eating all the goodies that she would pack and chewing tobacco until the game was over. She was the only person who could handle Mr. Burbage when he was angry. God surely never made another one like her. I grieve with you, but I am thankful that God...
Billy Ray Askew
January 05, 2026 | Pinetown, NC | Friend
You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers!
Lacey & Heather Dixon
January 05, 2026 | Greenville, NC | Family