Obituary published on Legacy.com by Garrett-Sykes Funeral Service - Ahoskie Chapel on Sep. 12, 2025.
AULANDER, NC - Nora Lee Bryan Rawls, a devoted mother, grandmother, and cherished community member, passed away peacefully on Thursday, September 11, 2025, at the age of 83. Surrounded by her loving family, she transitioned from this life to her eternal home at her residence in Aulander, N.C.. She was born on February 18, 1942, in Winton, Hertford County, N.C., to Virginia Lee Bryan and George Bryan.
For many years, Nora served as a machine operator in the textile industry, where her meticulous attention to detail and strong work ethic were evident to all who knew her. Beyond her professional life, she took great joy in sewing, creating beautiful clothes, cross-stitching, and crocheting. Each piece was crafted with love and care, often shared with family and friends.
A woman of faith, Nora was a devoted member of Pleasant Grove Baptist Church, where she met her husband and raised her children and grandchildren. Her beautiful voice graced the church choir for as long as her health permitted, and she led the youth choir for some time.
Nora's greatest joy in life was her family, particularly her grandchildren, with whom she shared countless hours of love and warmth. She always made sure everyone was well fed, providing delicious meals that drew family together at every opportunity. Nora's warmth, strength, and love will be profoundly missed but lovingly remembered by all who were blessed to know her.
Preceded in death by her parents, Virginia and George Bryan, and brothers, George, Jimmy, Joe, and Preston, Nora's legacy of love continues through those she leaves behind. She is survived by her beloved husband of 63 years, Sherwood Rawls; her daughters, Lisa Lewis of Willow Spring, N.C., and Michelle Bryant (Joe Jernigan) of Woodland, N.C.; her cherished grandchildren, Steven Alex Bryant (Amanda Outlaw) of Woodland, N.C., Courtney Davis and husband Steven of Pittsboro, N.C., Henry Lewis (Rozie Black), and Claire Lewis, both from Willow Spring, N.C.; her precious great-grandson, Phillip Davis; a sister, Marie; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, extended family, and dear friends.
The family will receive friends on Saturday, September 13, 2025, from 10:00 to 11:00 AM at Pleasant Grove Baptist Church, Aulander, N.C. A celebration of Nora's life will follow at 11:00 AM, officiated by Rev. Bob Deacon. Interment will take place at Aulander Cemetery, with her grandchildren serving as pallbearers.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made directly to the Good Shepherd Food Pantry of Bertie County, PO Box 1162, Windsor, NC 27983 or online by clicking here.
Online condolences can be made at www.garrettsykesfs.com. Garrett-Sykes Funeral Service, Ahoskie, N.C., is assisting with the arrangements for the Rawls family.