Barbara Lee Norton Utter

Barbara Lee Norton Utter, 76, of Franklinton (formerly Thomasville) NC, went to be with Jesus suddenly on February 22, 2024, at home surrounded by her children.

Barbara was born September 6, 1947, to Clarence W. and Helen (Lawrie) Norton of Hornell, NY. After graduating from Hammondsport Central School in 1965, she completed cosmetology school and was a licensed beautician.  

Barbara met her beloved Roger in 1961 and they were wed in 1965. They have 4 children, 6 grandchildren and 9 great grandchildren.

Barb enjoyed her time working at Penn Yan boats and she was passionate about working as a cook in the nursing home, truck stop and coffee shop.  She also did all the baking for a local cafe and creamery in Youngsville, NC.  She was a skilled seamstress, and recently had a memorable time teaching her granddaughter how to hem her own pants.  The "little ones" loved learning songs and homeschool lessons from her and she loved having them at home with her.

"Grammie" was loved by all who knew her. Most of the friends of her children & grandchildren called her “mama” or “Grammie” and she loved them like her own. She was active in church and community. Her family meant more to her than anything else in the world. She enjoyed baking and spending time with them (especially in the kitchen, whether making meals or baking cookies or pumpkin muffins), visiting museums, swimming, and attending sporting events that involved her babies.  She also loved telling stories of home, and the good old days on the farm with her cousins and family. She was a member of Unity United Methodist Church in Thomasville.

Anyone who knew "Grammie" knew that she was the most loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister and aunt a family could ask for. She was predeceased by her husband of 56 years, Roger Wesley Utter, parents, Clarence W Norton and Helen Jeanne (Lawrie) Norton, her twin sister Audrey Norton and younger sister Carol Norton Parks. She is survived by her sisters Darlene Stever and Ellen (Harold) Resue, both of New York, daughters, Leslie Rowland, Jeanne (Gary) Leonard, and Jennifer Morgan and son, Roger W. Utter II, grandchildren/ grandchildren-in-love, Elissa & Scottie, Chris, Brandon & Harlie, Amanda & Wayne, Daniel & Brooke and Mackenzie & Brandon, and 9 great-grandchildren, Rilee, Wesley, Taylor, Alayna, Bryden, Kais, Waylon, Graham and Avery,  and many nieces and nephews.  Her love and compassion will be taught to those that are yet to come that did not have the chance to be loved on by her.

A Celebration of Life service will be held on Saturday, March 2, 2024, at 1 PM at Amazing Grace Baptist Church, 661 Light Rd. Thomasville, NC. A reception will follow in the fellowship hall.

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