Emmylou Monroe "Junie" Norfleet

LAURINBURG — Emmylou "Junie" Monroe Norfleet passed away Nov. 30, 2025.

She was born June 28, 1947, in Bennettsville, South Carolina, the eldest child of Martha and George Norfleet. Gifted with uncommon patience, fortitude and generosity, Junie spent her life nurturing others. After graduating from UNC Greensboro, she began her professional life as an elementary school teacher in High Point, going on to earn her master's degree from Western Carolina University. She went on to teach at Asheville Country Day School and AB Tech.

Later in life, Junie earned a second master's degree in Chinese Medicine from the International Institute of Chinese Medicine in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Junie practiced medicine at the Chinese Acupuncture and Herbology Clinic in Asheville and served as Chair of the NC Acupuncture Licensing Board. She was a founder and professor at Daoist Traditions College of Classical Chinese Medicine.

Junie loved the arts, traveling and above all, being deeply present. Her non-judgmental devotion profoundly impacted those around her. Whether walking in the gardens, practicing Qi Gong, or continuing her lifelong learning, she reveled in the beauty of life. She danced. She ate. She laughed. Her gentle, open heart palpably radiated from her statuesque frame: she was a master of loving. Junie was instrumental in including her family in adventures to England, Scotland, Ireland, and France. She brought joy and celebration to treasured tri-annual camping softball tournaments with lifelong friends and family. Junie spent countless summers at family beach weeks and annual family reunions, where she, and extended conversations with her, were cherished.

Junie is survived by sister, Martha "Butchie" Norfleet; brothers, George and James Norfleet; nephew, Taylor Norfleet (Hayley); niece, Amy Clewis (Mark); and a large circle of cousins. She also leaves behind a legion of belovèd friends, colleagues, patients, students and adopted family M. Cissy Majebé, Genia Michaela, Rachel Nowakowski and Roux Schulz.

A memorial will be held at 2 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 5, 2025, at Heaven's Cloud, 130 Sardis Road, Asheville, NC. A Celebration of Life service will be held at 3 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 13, 2025, at Old Laurel Hill Presbyterian Church, 15301 McFarland Road, Laurinburg, NC.

Donations honoring Junie may be made to Old Laurel Presbyterian Church Scholarship Fund at 15301 McFarland Rd., Laurinburg, NC 28352 or Monroe Camp & Retreat Center, 24501 Camp Road, Laurel Hill, NC 28351.