Althea Norton Brown

Althea Norton Brown, 74 of Rockingham, passed away Sunday, April 17, 2016 at Hospice Haven. Mrs. Brown was born December 26, 1941 in Richmond County, a daughter of the late Vernon D. and Ruby Dawkins Norton. She was a longtime member of First Pentecostal Holiness Church, where she enjoyed serving in these capacities through the years—Women’s ministries, choir, youth group and Sunday School teacher. She had retired from Richmond County Department of Social Services after 36 years of service. She took pride in working in her yard, watching and feeding her feathered friends, as well as, entertaining family and friends and offering encouraging words. One of her favorite quotes in life….”This too shall pass”. She was preceded in death by her brother, Vernon Lee Norton and a sister, Daphne Mae Walker. Surviving are her husband, Beeler D. “Bill” Brown of the home; son, Terry Brown (Deborah) of Rockingham; grandchildren, Jennifer Lockey and Tyler Brown; great grandchild, Jarrett Lockey and sister, Frances Amos (Doug) of Olanta, SC. Funeral services will be at 1:00pm Tuesday at First Pentecostal Holiness Church with Rev. Harris Jordan, Rev. Greg Amos and Rev. Doug Amos officiating. Interment will follow in Richmond County Memorial Park. The family will see friends from 11:30 to 12:45 Tuesday at the church and at other times at the home on Oak Ave., Rockingham. Memorials may be made to Richmond County Hospice, 1119 N US Hwy 1, Rockingham, NC 28379 or to First Pentecostal Holiness Church, 172 Hannah Pickett Ave., Rockingham, NC 28379. The family wishes to express a special thank you to the staff of Richmond County Hospice and Hospice Haven for their kindness, caring and compassionate care during Althea’s final days.