Roberta Ilene Norton

Roberta (McMannis) Norton, age 85 of Murphysboro, passed away at 7:20 pm on Wednesday, September 21, 2016 at home surrounded by her loving daughters. She was born September 10, 1931 to Walter and Ruby (Reames) McMannis in Grimsby. She was the eldest of eight children of this union. She was a “mother figure” to her siblings and many cousins. Roberta married Floyd Norton on October 7, 1950. Together they shared 64 years. He preceded her in death on March 7, 2015. She has been “lost” since the passing of her loving husband. They were always together and completed each other. She had faithfully worked for Lustor Curwood for 47 years and was honored with a write up in the Murphysboro American for her faithful service. After her retirement she worked for Wisley Auction Service as a cashier. She loved to go to auctions, and was always looking for a bargain. She organized bi-monthly trips for a day of entertainment gambling at the casino, as she would call it “The Boat” in Metropolis. She was a member of the Woman’s Auxiliary of the VFW; American Legion; Eagles and St. Joseph’s Hospital Auxiliary. She attended the Elm Street Baptist Church. She loved to quilt. Roberta was a very private person and loved the Lord Jesus Christ. She taught her family to be humble about praying alone in the closet. Roberta is survived by two daughters, Sheila Bennett of Murphysboro and Jacqueline Norton (and life partner Gail Miesner) of Jacob; four grandchildren, Leslie (Tim) Wodlke of San Antonio, TX; Robert (Tracy) Bennett; Travis Bennett and Dana (Jimmy) Kimmel all of Murphysboro; great-grandchildren, Mikaela, Kaileigh, Brianna, Devin, Graci, Zoey and Courtney; five siblings, Floyd McMannis; Charles McMannis; Aleatha Mae Law; and Melba Jean Easterly, all of Murphysboro; and Lyle McMannis of Dupo; nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends. She is preceded in death by her parents; her husband; two brothers, Leon McMannis and Kenneth Ray McMannis; a son-in-law, Roy Bennett and a great-grandson, Kevin Michael Norton. Visitation will be Friday, September 23, 2016 from 5:00 to 8:00 pm at Crain Pleasant Grove-Murdale Funeral Home. Funeral Services for Robert (McMannis) Norton will be Saturday, September 24, 2016 at 11:00 am at Crain Pleasant Grove-Murdale Funeral Home with Rev. Charles Allen officiating. Interment will follow at Pleasant Grove Memorial Park. Memorials can be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital and/or Shriner’s Hospital and will be accepted at the funeral home. Roberta has become famously known as the “Hat Lady” and will always be in our hearts.

Roberta Ilene Norton

September 10, 1931 - September 21, 2016