Mary Ann Norwood Barham

Mary Ann Norwood Barham, age 91, of Edenton, NC, passed away at Edenton Primetime Retirement Center on Sunday, July 27, 2025. She was born in Durham, NC, on January 11, 1934, to the late Robert L. Norwood and Emma Estelle Ross Norwood. She was the widow of the late Marvin Scott Barham.
Mary's life was a testament to dedication and community service. As co-owner and secretary at the Williford-Barham Funeral Home, she devoted herself to her work with diligence and compassion. Her professional career was complemented by her active involvement in the Edenton Baptist Church, where she shared her faith as a Sunday School Teacher and served as past president of the Woman's Missionary Union.
Mary's commitment to the arts and her local community was evident in her role as the past Director of the Chowan Art Association. She also served as a former board member of the Chowan County Nursing Home Committee, demonstrating her care and concern for others.
She was instrumental in organizing and serving as the first president of the Shrinette Club, showcasing her leadership and initiative. In her leisure time, Mary found joy in the simple pleasures of life, enjoying fishing and spending cherished moments in Nags Head and Ocracoke with her husband, Marvin.
Her legacy is one of service, dedication, and love for her community.
Mary is survived by her sons, Gregory S. Barham and M. Douglas Barham (Connie), both of Edenton, NC; sisters, Peggy Stidham, of St. Louis, IL, Bobbie Sue Norwood, of West Palm Beach, FL, and Linda Nelson, of Chattanooga, TN; grandchildren, Brian Barham (Stephanie) and Rachel Krahenbill (Jason); great-grandchildren, Lincoln Krahenbill, Reid Krahenbill, Waverly Krahenbill, Natalie Harris, and Emma Harris. In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by her sister, Doris Marsh, and brothers, Jim Norwood, Ed Norwood, Bill Norwood, and Sam Norwood.
A graveside service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, July 30, 2025, at Beaver Hill Cemetery, Edenton, NC, with the Reverend Koby Strawser officiating.
The family suggests memorial donations be made to Edenton Baptist Church, 200 S. Granville St, Edenton, NC 27932, or Masonic Home for Children, (my.simplegive.com/App/Giving/mhco), 600 College St, Oxford, NC 27565.
Twiford Funeral Homes, 405 E. Church Street, Elizabeth City, NC, is serving the Barham Family. Condolences and memories may be shared at www.TwifordFH.com. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Mary Ann Norwood Barham, please visit our floral store.