Elsie Lavayne Norris

1933 - 2016

Elsie Lavayne Norris

1933 - 2016

Elsie Lavayne Norris, 82, of Milton, passed away peacefully on Saturday, September 17, 2016. She was a devoted mother and wife, known by many for her wonderful sense of humor, loyalty to her family and friends - and for her fondness for donuts and slot machines.

Elsie began her life's adventure on October 8, 1933, in Norman, Oklahoma, born to Claraicy (Daniels) and Loya Gibson. She learned early to sing, and when her father had to spend an extended time in a TB hospital, she serenaded him every day.

Elsie married Richard Dale Norris in 1952, and together they raised six children. Her husband was a career Navy man, whose duty stations took the family to many locations in the United States and once overseas in Rota, Spain. The Navy finally settled them in Milton, Florida in 1965, where she continued to reside and raise her children until her passing.

Throughout her life, Elsie was fully present in her children's lives. From school functions, sporting events, paper route delivery, births, and marriages, she supported her children.

Elsie was known as a "straight shooter" and never failed to give her opinion when asked. She was even known to give her opinions to television sports officials and television courtroom judges as well! She enjoyed gospel music, yardwork, romance novels, bowling, and especially "going to Atmore" with family and friends. Above all, she kept the connections with relatives scattered across the country, through steady letters, greeting cards on birthdays, anniversaries and holidays. She treated her nieces and nephews and extended family like her own children.

Elsie is preceded in death by her husband Richard Dale Norris; her youngest son, Roger; her parents, Loya and Claraicy Gibson; her sisters, Giola, Bettie, and Flora; and brothers, Elmer, Eslie, and Loya.

Elsie is survived by her children: Richard D (Diana Mancel) Norris of Friday Harbor, WA, Alan (Kristy) Norris of Milton, FL, Dixie (Rick) Contini of Milton, FL, Toby (Marlo Gelico) Norris of Jacksonville, FL, and Gary (Carmen) Norris of Huntingtown, MD. Elsie also leaves behind seven grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren.

Funeral Services will be held at 1:00 p.m., on Saturday, September 24, 2016, at the Lewis Funeral Home Chapel in Milton, with Rev. Mike Poston officiating, and Lewis Funeral Home directing. Burial will be held at a later date at Barrancas National Cemetery.

The family will receive friends from 11:30 a.m., on Saturday, until time of services, at the Lewis Funeral Home Chapel in Milton.

The family would like to thank medical and support staff of Santa Rosa Medical Center and Joyce Goldenberg Covenant Hospice Residence, for making Elsie's passing comfortable and dignified.

Express your condolences in our guestbook at pnj.com/obits