Mary Sadler Norris

1948 - 2025

Mary Sadler Norris

October 8, 1948 - December 28, 2025

Columbia, South Carolina - Mary Sadler "Mackey" Norris passed away peacefully, surrounded by her loving family, after facing her final days with extraordinary grace and strength. She was 77.

Born on October 8, 1948, in Columbia, South Carolina, Mackey was the daughter of the late John Marion Sadler and Mary Lillian McDavid Sadler. She graduated from Dreher High School in 1966 as an honors student and attended Mary Baldwin College before graduating from the University of South Carolina in 1970. While at USC, she was a proud member of Chi Omega sorority, forging friendships that remained among the most meaningful of her life.

After teaching first grade, Mackey joined her father's insurance firm, Sadler & Company, where she brought her sharp intellect and attention to detail to finance, accounting, and the management of large accounts. She later brought the same expertise to Frank B. Norris & Co., her husband's firm.

Mackey is survived by her husband of 55 years, Frank Norris; her sons Franklin Sadler Norris (Kara), and Charles Marion Norris; and her beloved grandson, Henry Sadler Norris. She is also survived by her brother John Sadler (Fran), stepsisters Catherine McFadden, and Ramelle Hope; sister-in-law Joyce Norris, and brothers-in-law John Norris (Laura), and Charles Norris (Susan); as well as many loving nieces and nephews.

Mackey was a woman of remarkable depth and quiet brilliance. She was fluent in French and deeply passionate about French literature and culture, returning often to France throughout her life. She was also a gifted artist, and among her many works, a cherished painting of her husband and sons crossing the Seine River in Paris remains a centerpiece of her home. A devoted reader and longtime bridge player, Mackey brought thoughtfulness and joy to every room she entered. Over the course of their 55-year marriage, she and Frank also raised and adored eight Cairn terriers, who brought them constant companionship and delight.

She was an active member of numerous organizations, including the Daughters of the American Revolution, the Junior League of Columbia, and several beloved book, garden, and bridge clubs. Mackey especially cherished the many decades-long friendships she maintained throughout Columbia.

She and Frank were longtime members of Forest Lake Club, where they made countless memories with dear friends over the span of almost 40 years. Mackey was a lifelong member of Eastminster Presbyterian Church, where she also served in the Stephen Ministry, offering care and compassion to others during their most vulnerable moments.

Her grace, elegance, and generous spirit will be dearly missed by all who knew her.

The Memorial Service for Mackey will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, January 3, 2026, at Eastminster Presbyterian Church, 3200 Trenholm Road, Columbia, SC 29205. The family will receive friends immediately following in Thompson Hall. A private family burial will take place prior to the service at Greenlawn Memorial Park. Shives Funeral Home, Trenholm Road Chapel, is assisting the family.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Eastminster Presbyterian Church, 3200 Trenholm Road, Columbia, SC 29205.

Memories and condolences may be shared at ShivesFuneralHome.com.