Heaven gained a sweet soul on Saturday, August 29, 2020, Betty Lou Norton James was blessed with 89 years on this earth. Betty was born the daughter of Frank and Annie Mae (Keener) Norton of Otto, North Carolina. She was preceded in death by her parents, Dean Norton and Mary Carolyn Norton; her husband, Grover Lee James; three brothers Norval,Coy,and Dean Norton; a sister, Ruth Southards; and a grandson, Isaac Coleman.
When she met and married Grover Lee James from Scaly Mountain, N.C., she became a farmer's wife, working alongside her husband. Her life's calling was becoming the mother of three children whom she loved until her last breath. Raising children is a job in itself but one she took great pleasure in. Suzanne married Pat Coleman and gave birth to twins, Betty's first grandsons, Alex and Isaac Coleman.
Next to arrive in the James' home was Doug, the first born son. Betty took great pride in Doug and taught him by example to work hard and to do the right thing. Doug met and married Dawn Hopper of Rabun Gap. The couple made their home in Scaly Mountain where they raised their son, Dellon James. Dawn treasured her time with Betty, learning all she could about canning and gardening, two things they both enjoyed. Dellon went on to marry a lovely young lady named Julie and the two of them visited "Meme" as often as they could.
Grover and Betty surely thought they had the perfect family, a daughter and a son but soon enough their third arrived, another son she named Greg. Each child has a special place in a mother's heart. Greg was Betty's baby boy and he brought her great joy. Greg met and married Lisa Nix from Dillard, Georgia and they also live near the family farm in Scaly Mountain. They gave birth to her third grandson, Benjamin. Ben married a beautiful young woman named Chloe and the couple made Betty a great-grandmother to little Nora James.
You've heard the term "a life well lived," this describes the life of Betty James. She worked hard, loved her children, grandchildren and her great-granddaughter. She was exceptional in the kitchen and canned much of what they grew on the farm. An avid volunteer with the Highlands Emergency Council, she never missed the opportunity to help another. Betty loved her flowers and enjoyed a good book Her favorite pastime was visiting with those she loves.
If one were asked to describe "Meme", they would say that she was a fine woman, of few words. She was kind and caring. She loved Jesus and today she is walking with Him. She will be missed by all who knew and loved her.
A small graveside service was planned for family on Tuesday, Sept. 1, 2020 at 1 p.m. at Scaly Mountain Methodist Cemetery with Rev. Bryan Alexander officiating.
The family is at the home on Bald Mountain Road in Dillard, Ga.
The family asks that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to Highlands Emergency Council at P.O. Box 974 Highlands, N.C. 28741.