June 17, 93,
Norma Ruth Kelly Albritton passed away peacefully on Wednesday, June 17, 2020 at the age of 93.
Born on November 21, 1926, she grew up in Mount Olive, North Carolina. In October of 1949, she married Thomas Albritton. For over thirty years the two of them operated Albritton’s Jewelry Store, where she helped brides select and register their wedding patterns, directed many of their weddings, and even on occasion offered her services as vocalist. Among her greatest joys was knowing that her customers were also her friends.
Norma and Thomas lived most of their adult lives in Calypso, North Carolina, where they were longstanding members of Calypso Baptist Church, and steadfast friends of Calypso Presbyterian Church. They were also great fans of Halloween, and their home on Cameron Street was perhaps best known as an annual stop for candy and cheer.
For the past six years, Norma lived happily at Brookdale Country Day Road in Goldsboro, where all she needed to do for company was, as she put it, “just open my door.” She enjoyed weekly church services and sing-alongs there, and early on while her legs would still cooperate, she proudly earned the nickname, The Dancing Queen.
In addition to her husband, she is preceded in death by her parents, John and Bessie (Myers) Kelly; three siblings and their spouses, Dallas Kelly (Inez), Mildred Sloan (Marion/”Spence”), and Hazel Flowers (Lawrence); sister-in-law Marie (Phillips) Kelly; brothers-in-law and their spouses, Henry Albritton (Doris), Benjamin Albritton (Prather); nieces, Alesia Ann Albritton and Jean Carol Sloan; and step-grandson, Zac.
She is survived by a brother, Nelson/”Pete” Kelly of Greensboro, NC; a son, Tom Albritton (Teri Beadle) of Winston-Salem, NC; grandchildren, Wells Albritton (Kelly Chacon) of Boston, Eliza Albritton of Asheville, and Emmy Albritton of New York; and numerous nieces, nephews, and grandnieces and grandnephews.
Because of safety risks due to COVID-19, there will be no services at this time. When conditions are safe for gathering, the family will host a celebration of Norma’s life. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Global Down Syndrome Foundation, at www.globaldownsyndrome.org. Norma’s very favorite person in the world was her niece, Jean Carol, who had Down Syndrome and was a blessing to all who knew her. Supporting this cause would please and honor “Aunt Norma” far more than any other generosity.
A Tyndall Service.
