Martha Norris Davis

Martha Norris Davis, 83, of Winston-Salem, NC, entered into the presence of her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Monday, September 29, 2025. She passed peacefully under the care of Hospice, surrounded by her loving family.

She was born on December 5, 1941, in Columbus County, NC, to the late William Golespie Norris and Hettie Strickland, just two days before Pearl Harbor. Martha graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Campbell College in 1964 and later earned a Master of Education from the University of Virginia in 1971.

On November 20, 1976, she married Riley Arrington Davis. Together they built a family rooted in faith, love, and education. Martha is survived by her husband, Riley; her daughters, Marianne Davis Heath of Kernersville, NC, Nancy Davis Thomas (Greg) of Vicksburg, MS, and Heather Davis Szews (Brian) of Charlotte, NC; six grandchildren, Daniel Heath (Beth), Justin Heath (Sheena), Adam Heath (Cameron), Tori McRight (John Morgan), Gregory Thomas, and Sarah Thomas; eight great-grandchildren as well as her sisters, Ruby Norris Smith of Fairmont, NC and Ruthene Norris Barefoot of Castle Hayne, NC; and brother, Rudolph Norris of Columbia, SC. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by three brothers, William Isaac Norris, Elbert Royce Norris, and Joseph Ruben Norris; and three sisters, Lorene Norris, Bonnie Norris Lanier, and Mary Norris Parker.

Martha’s Christian faith was the cornerstone of her life. A long-time member of Calvary Baptist Church, she was faithful in worship, attending Sunday morning, Sunday evening, and Wednesday evening services. She cherished the friendships formed at the church, especially around the table at Wednesday night fellowship dinners. Martha instilled in her children and grandchildren the importance of faith in Christ and the hope of eternal life.

Growing up on Busy Bee Farm, a tobacco farm near Tabor City, NC, Martha often recalled her early love of learning—how she looked forward to the school bus arriving after mornings spent picking strawberries. That love of learning carried into her career as a devoted elementary school teacher. She taught for many years at Skyland, Latham and Brunson Elementary Schools in Winston-Salem, where she especially loved teaching 4th grade in the Highly Gifted program.

Martha also had a deep appreciation for music and the arts, frequently attending performances by the Winston-Salem Symphony, the Salem Band, and local theater productions. Known for her stylish dress and graceful presence, she carried herself with dignity and charm in every setting.

Most of all, Martha will be remembered for her unwavering faith, her love of family, and the many lives she touched through her teaching, her church, and her friendships.

A funeral service will be held at 2:00pm on Thursday, October 2, 2025, at Hayworth-Miller Silas Creek Chapel with Pastor Truett Williams officiating. Entombment will follow at Westlawn Gardens of Memory Mausoleum in Clemmons, NC. The family will receive friends from 12:45 to 1:45pm prior to the service at the funeral home. Pallbearers will be her grandchildren. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be made to Calvary Baptist Church, 134 South Peace Haven Rd., Winston-Salem, NC 27104 or Salem Academy, 601 South Church St., Winston-Salem, NC 27101.