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Mrs. Alice Paxton Norris, 90, a lifetime resident of LaGrange, passed away peacefully at home on Thursday, Sept. 24, 2020.  She was born April 18, 1930, to the late Emory Clyde Paxton and Ivadean Upchurch Paxton of LaGrange, Georgia.

A graduate of LaGrange High School and LaGrange College, she received her Master’s degree from Auburn University and Leadership Specialist degree from University of West Georgia in administration.

She worked in the LaGrange City School System from 1952-1992, beginning her career as a teacher at Hill Street Junior High School.  She was also a counselor at West Side Junior High and Eastside Girls Junior High, plus serving a number of years as principal at West Side Girls Junior High. Alice was a long-time member of Delta Kappa Gamma Honorary Society for Woman Educators, as well as the Troup County Retired Teacher’s Association. 

Alice was a long-time faithful member of Second Baptist Church which she joined shortly after her marriage to her late husband in 1950.  Together they held many leadership positions there.  Alice became the pianist and organist shortly after joining, a position she held for 68 years.  

After Ralph passed in 2014, Alice continued her church activities, including WMU, as long as her health permitted.

She loved gardening and growing flowers.  She was an active member of the Pine Needle Garden Club.  She also was a long-time active member of the LaGrange Woman’s Club. 

Alice and her late husband, Ralph, were avid travelers after retirement.  They enjoyed many cruises, as well as automobile and bus trips all over the United States and Canada plus a number of trips and cruises to other countries. 

She was predeceased by her parents and her husband of 64 years, Ralph. Surviving are two daughters, Ginger Norris Booton (Terry) of LaGrange and Celia Norris Johnson (Alan) of Cartersville, Georgia; three grandsons, Tyler Johnson (Lauren) of Atlanta, Trent Johnson of Cartersville, Georgia and Trevor Booton of LaGrange; and one great-grandson, Charlie Johnson. Also surviving are her sister, Emily Paxton McClurg (Richard) of Cartersville and many nieces and nephews.

The family appreciates the love, kindness, and support of her caregivers during the last few months and West Georgia Home Hospice. 

The funeral will be held at Striffler-Hamby Mortuary Chapel on Saturday, Sept. 26, 2020 at 3 p.m. with burial following at Shadowlawn Cemetery.  The body will lie in state one hour proceeding the service.  Due to COVID-19 protocol, social distancing and masks are requested at the service. Flowers will be accepted or contributions can be made to West Georgia Hospice or Second Baptist Church, LaGrange in memory of Alice Norris.

 Those wishing to share a condolence or remembrance with the family may do so by visiting www.shlagrange.com. 

Arrangements are by Striffler-Hamby Mortuary, 1010 Mooty Bridge Road, LaGrange, Georgia.