Sue Norton

Betty Sue Norton, a beloved mother, grandmother, wife, and dedicated educator, passed away peacefully on January 26, 2026, at the age of 85. Born on July 20, 1940, in Port Arthur, Texas, she was the daughter of Tom Blake Brantley and Rachelle Lee (Allen) Brantley. She was preceded in death by her parents and her beloved sister, Cynthia Louise Brantley.

Betty, known affectionately as Sue to her family and friends, was a beacon of love and knowledge in her community. In 1962, she married her college sweetheart, Donald Ray Norton, in Port Arthur, Texas. Together, they built a life filled with love, laughter, and adventure. Sue is survived by her devoted husband, Don, and their two sons and daughters-in-law, David and Stacy Norton, and Mark Norton and Andrea Fisher. She took great joy in her grandchildren: Zachary, Courtney, Leigh, Samantha, Lee, and Alex, who brought endless smiles to her life.

Sue's educational journey began at Port Arthur Jefferson High School, where she graduated before pursuing higher education at Lamar University and subsequently transferring to the University of Texas at Austin, where she earned her Master's in Library Science degree in 1963. Her passion for learning and teaching led her to a long and fulfilling career in education. Starting in Mount Vernon, Missouri, she started work as a substitute teacher before relocating to Houston, Texas. There, she started her career with Spring Branch and Klein ISDs before dedicating over 20 years to the Katy Independent School District, taking on various roles from substitute teacher to full-time educator, librarian, and ultimately serving as the Director of Instructional Resources until her retirement in May 1997.

Beyond her professional achievements, Sue was an avid reader, often juggling a dozen books at a time, indulging in everything from science fiction and fantasy to the occasional romance novel. Her adventurous spirit also led her to travel, often embarking on cruises and adventures to explore far-flung locales around the world. A lover of animals, she cherished her four shelties, who were her constant companions.

Sue was deeply committed to her community, serving as a devoted lifelong member and officer of the PEO Sisterhood. She also volunteered as a librarian at St. Peter's United Methodist Church, sharing her love of reading and learning with others.

The family expresses their heartfelt gratitude to close friends Randy and Louise Crawford, and Charles and Susan Woods, as well as her dedicated caregivers Andrea Patience, Mavis White, Marjorie Mercurius, and Dale Preston, whose unwavering support and care provided comfort during Sue's later years.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Alzheimer's Association (alz.org) or the local animal rescue organization of your choice.

Betty Sue Norton will be dearly missed, but her legacy of love, kindness, and dedication to education will live on in the hearts of her family and all those whose lives she touched.