T. Gloria Craft

Gloria Norton Craft

Wrens, GA.  – Gloria Norton Craft, 89, loving wife of the late George W. Craft, entered into rest Friday night, November 23, 2012 at her residence. Funeral services will be held at James Funeral Home Chapel on Monday, November 26, 2012 at 11:30AM with Rev Tim Crosby officiating. Interment will follow in Wrens Memorial Cemetery.
The eldest of 10 children born to the late Thelma Elizabeth Black Norton and the late Floyd L. Norton, Gloria became the matriarch, demonstrating an unwavering, unconditional love for her family. She met the love of her life while both of them were acting in a play. She was very ambitious and a true business woman—operating The Big Top and Dairy Farm Restaurants in Wrens, and a gift shop on Edisto Island. As a member of Stapleton Baptist Church, she was very active in all aspects of service—nursery, VBS, fill-in organist, etc. Gloria was very civic minded and loved her community. This outgoing, spirited lady will be forever missed.
Gloria was also preceded in death by her daughter, Mary Craft Edwards; and seven siblings, Francis Norton, David Norton, Dorothy Norton, Nancy Wren, Richard Norton, Jane Jones and Sidney Norton. Survivors include her daughter, Beverly A. Craft; her “honorary” daughter, Tanya Eulenfeld; two brothers, Spence C. Norton (Nancie) and Ben W. Norton; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Pallbearers will be Spence Norton, Frank Chance, Steve Durham, Havey Hayes, Clarence Holley and Ed Stalnaker.
The family will receive friends at James Funeral Home on Monday, November 26, 2012 from 10:00-11:30AM prior to the service.
Memorial contributions may be made Alzheimer’s Foundation of America, 322 8th Ave, 7th FL, New York NY  10001 or by visiting alzfdn.org.
The family offers a special thank you to our caregiver and friend, Annissa Kemp. We will be forever grateful for the special, loving care you have given.  You’ve been our Angel and a true blessing in our lives.
Thank you also to Heartland Hospice, especially Lisa Adams. You were so kind to us. Your dedication, love and compassion will be cherished always.
To Dr. Jennifer Tanner and the staff at WPH, thank you for your long-time care and special attention. It has been greatly appreciated.
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I am standing upon the seashore.  A ship at my side
spreads her white sails to the morning breeze and
starts for the blue ocean.  She is an object of beauty
and strength.  I stand and watch her until at length she
hangs like a speck of white cloud just where the sea
and sky come to mingle with each other.

Then someone at my side says:  “There, she is gone!”

“Gone where?”

Gone from my sight.  That is all.  She is just as large
in mast and hull and spar as she was when she left my
side and she is just as able to bear the load of living
freight to her destined port.

Her diminished size is in me, not in her. And just
at the moment when someone at my side says: “There,
She is gone!” There are other eyes watching her coming,
and other voices ready to take up the glad
shout: “Here she comes!”

And that is dying.

Henry Van Dyke

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