Willie Levil Cruse Norton

Willie Levil Cruse Norton, 88, of Denver, NC passed away peacefully at her home, surrounded by her family, on Saturday, November 12, 2016. Willie was born April 2, 1928 in Atlanta, GA to the late Nolan and Annie Hamilton Cruse. She was the co-founder of the Catawba Cricket Hatchery, Charlotte, NC where she worked alongside her husband and sons to build the successful and thriving business that it continues to be today. Willie’s passion in life was cooking. She was always in the kitchen creating new dishes and sharing those dishes with family and friends. She loved and embraced everyone she came in contact with, as she never met a stranger.

Along with her parents, she was preceded in death by three sisters and one brother.

Willie is survived by her loving family; husband of 69 years, Grady Legar Norton; sons, Randall Norton (Kathy) of Ft. Mill, SC, Rick Norton (Debbie) of Denver, Ron Norton (Tresa) of Denver; grandchildren, Lee Norton, Kisha Shepard, Leslie (Bo) Crutchfield, Jeremiah Norton; great-grandchildren, Jacob Norton, Hanna Nagy, Leia Nagy, Callie Crutchfield; great-great-grandchild, Harmony Norton; many nieces and nephews.

A visitation will be held on Tuesday, November 15, 2016 from 11 am-12:30 pm at Fairfield United Methodist Church, Denver. Funeral services will begin at 12:30 at the church. Interment will follow in the church cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made in Willie’s name to: Leukemia Society, 5950 Fairview Rd. Suite 250, Charlotte, NC 28210, Hospice of Lincoln County, 107 N. Cedar St. Lincolnton, NC 28092, Fairfield United Methodist Church, 7860 Fairfield Forest Rd, Denver, NC 28037 or the Charity of the donor’s choice.

Raymer-Kepner Funeral Home is assisting the family. Friends may offer condolences to the family at www.raymerfh.com.