Dr. Virginia Alma Marino Norton's Obituary
Dr. Virginia Alma Marino Norton passed from this life to the next on Wednesday, October 18, 2023 after a long illness. She was born November 14, 1934, to Lillie Alma Graham and Bennie Marino, both of whom preceded her in death. She was also preceded in death by one granddaughter, Rebecca Marie Turner, and son-in-law, Patrick O’Roark. Dr. Norton is survived by her loving spouse of 71 ½ years, John Dan Norton Sr, her three children, daughter, Terry Norton O’Roark and sons, John Norton Jr. (Norna) and Dennis Norton (Sarah), three beloved granddaughters, Megan O’Roark (Darwin Fu), Molly O’Roark (Ronnie MacDuff), Catherine Norton Simpson (Nathan), and one great-granddaughter, Natalie Grace Simpson, whom she adored. She leaves behind her beloved sisters, Lucy Wall and Jamie Dickson, as well as 7 nieces and 9 nephews who called her “Aunt Ginna.”
Dr. Norton, a native Memphian, was a life-long learner. She was constantly challenging herself with new ideas and concepts, mostly in study of history and science. She developed her love of learning in the early days at St. Thomas Academy, where she attended school from third through twelfth grade and graduated valedictorian of her class in 1952. She received numerous accolades including the nationally recognized Bausch + Lomb Award for her scientific work and study.
At age 15, Dr. Norton met the true love of her life, Dan Norton, and they were married two and half years later. Together they carved out a very long, beautiful life filled with adventures, three rambunctious children, and numerous loving extended family members.
In 1969, she received a Bachelor of Science in Biology, magna cum laude, from the University of Memphis. During her post-graduate studies, she was inducted into the Beta Beta Beta National Biological Honor Society, Tennessee Academy of Science, and Chi Beta Phi: Math and Science Honorary Society. In 1971, she received her Master of Science degree in Biology with her thesis being the first complete categorization of the herpetofauna of Hardeman County. In 1976, Dr. Norton was the first person to earn a PhD in Biology from the University of Memphis. Her doctoral dissertation was the “Osmoregulation in The Channel Catfish Ictalurus Punctatus (Rafinesque)” and in the following year, she was inducted into Sigma Xi, The Scientific Research Honor Society. Dr. Norton completed her postdoctoral work at the University of Tennessee where she studied the effects of sound on animals and people. Following her postdoctoral research, she taught Anatomy and Physiology at the University of Memphis, which inspired her to obtain her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Tennessee and become a registered nurse. With additional course work and study, she achieved a certification in gerontology. Dr. Norton later worked as an RN for the Memphis VA Medical Center and Methodist Hospitals, where she retired in 1990 as the Director of Nursing in Research and Development.
Upon retiring, she took care of her granddaughters in the very early months of their lives. She and Dan nurtured, supported, and encouraged their granddaughters to explore and learn new things with an annual “Grandparents Tour.” In addition to her love of family and academia, Dr. Norton explored additional passions including competitive ballroom dancing.
As a devoted member of Christ Church in Memphis, Dr. Norton became a Stephen Minister, providing care and emotional support to seniors. She served on the Banner Guild, was an usher for the Contemporary Worship Service for many years, head of the Worship committee, and was a founding member of the Grace Awakenings Sunday School Class. Dr. Norton co-founded the Biblical Life Center (BLC) at Christ Church, where she developed interactive displays that featured the life and times of the people in both the New and Old Testaments. She and Dan also traveled to numerous countries across 5 continents, including several trips to Israel where they brought back artifacts to enhance the BLC.
In addition to her work with the church, she and Dan routinely volunteered for many events to support the greater Memphis Community, such as the Wonder Series; participating as docents for every exhibit until the series closed.
Dr. Norton and Dan were among the first residents of the Village at Germantown, where they moved to in 2006. They were extremely active in the cultural and social fabric of the community. Dr. Norton founded the Worship Committee, which established a weekly worship service for the residents of the Village and later started a choir for those services. In September 2022, she was recognized by the Village at Germantown for her work as the chairperson of the committee, in addition to her years of dedication and service to the residents of that community and the support of many programs.
Fully embracing her continued love of learning, Dr. Norton took painting lessons at the Village and has a significant body of work depicting beautiful landscapes and still life. Her latest ventures included starting a Drama Club and helping to produce and perform in several plays. In her spare time, she would read to the residents at The Village Memory Care Center.
Dr. Norton was always willing to help anyone in need and she would brighten your day with her brilliant smile and wonderful hugs! She lived a very long, fulfilled life and will be missed greatly by all who know and love her.
A memorial service will be held on Friday, October 27, 2023, at 1:00 pm in Wilson Chapel at Christ Church, 4488 Poplar Ave., Memphis, TN. The family will receive friends for visitation, an hour prior to the service, starting at 12:00 pm. A Celebration of Life service and reception will be held on Monday, October 30, 2023, at 10:00am, at The Village at Germantown: 7820 Walking Horse Circle, Germantown, TN 38138.
In lieu of flowers, the family would be honored if you made memorial donations to a nonprofit of your choice or to one of the following:
• Dr. Virginia M. Norton and Dan Norton Scholarship Fund at the University of Memphis - supportum.memphis.edu/nortonscholarship
• The Village at Germantown Foundation- www.village-germantown.com/about-the-village/the-village-foundation
• Christ Church Memphis- www.christchurchmemphis.org/stewardship
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