Tributes

Norma Kathryn Kirven Walker was greeted with great jubilation and celebration by her Heavenly descendants as she arrived into her Eternal home. In Heaven she was welcomed by her mother, Carrie Montgomery Boone Kirven, her father, Robert Edward Kirven, Jr., her siblings, Marion H. Kirven, Bessie K. Brunson, Dorothea K. DeWitt and Norma’s husband, Roland Edward Walker. Those who are left here to lovingly remember her are daughters, Jacqueline Ludrick (Ray) Chambers, Kathryn Ludrick (Roger) Miller, and step-son, Travis Walker. Grandchildren are Monti (Dale) Franckowiak, Tim (Teresa) Gainey, and Jason Beasley. Great grandchildren are Stephen Gainey, Tiffany Phelps, Doug (Jessica) Callahan, Alex (Chandra) Callahan, and Jonathan Franckowiak. Great-great grandchildren are Natalie Femal, Ava Rose Gainey and Benjamin Callahan. Nieces, nephews, and cousins include Sue (TJ) Howard, Deborah (Frank) Lane, Alice Christensen, Nancy (Howard) Underwood, David (Carolyn) DeWitt, Leah D. Law, George Kirven, Margaret Kirven Barwick, Mellie Barwick, and Jimmy Ballard, and numerous other nieces, nephews and cousins. Norma was a direct descendant of the late great American Pioneer, Daniel Boone and American Patriot Captain John Huggins, who fought beside “The Swamp Fox”, Francis Marion, during the Revolutionary War. Norma was born in Darlington, South Carolina on February 12, 1923. She was a graduate of St. John’s High School in Darlington, SC. She was a Southern lady whose life reflected her innate sense of graciousness. She believed that following the Ten Commandments and the Golden Rule made life happier for everyone. Norma has been a resident of Stanley Total Living Center in Stanley, NC, for the past eight years where she was President of the Residents’ Council, a position which she held with great pride and dignity. Norma was adored by all the nurses, CNAs, staff and residents at STLC, who faithfully assisted her as she courageously fought a chronic illness. Before her passing, the nurses and CNAs held a nightly vigil at Norma’s bedside. She was definitely a leader not a follower, and she was tenacious and completed any project with overwhelming success, great enthusiasm and delight. Norma frequently hosted fun-filled tea parties to the glee of her grandchildren and no one ever left her home without a “goody bag”. Norma was brilliant. Her wit and humor added color and fascination to family stories and events, memories which will be cherished by all who were blessed to have known her. She was meticulous. Norma’s charm, grace, proper etiquette, good manners, appropriate dress and respect for one’s elders were her priority. She was the perfect hostess and valued family dinners and special occasions. Norma took great pleasure in extending hospitality to others in a way that drew them in and made them feel special and loved. Norma’s cooking and baking skills showed her expertise in creating culinary masterpieces. She was an accomplished and renown caterer throughout South and North Carolina and famous for her divine French Fudge. Norma’s great strength, courage and perseverance came from her tremendous faith in Jesus Christ. She continuously gave God all the Credit and Glory for everything, for she was richly blessed. Norma was an active member and involved in every aspect of her beloved First Baptist Church, Hartsville, SC, where for 30 years she played the piano and taught music to the Two Year Old Children’s Sunday School Class. She was a life-long member of the Sanctuary Choir; Director of the Girl’s Auxiliary; President of the Golden Fellowship; a Committee Member for the First Baptist Church Christmas Bazaar, taught the Deaf Sign Language to Hartsville’s Senior Residents and started a Deaf Ministry for several churches in Darlington County. Norma was also a Christian counselor who offered words of wisdom, comfort and love to church members, friends and family. Norma began playing the piano at the early age of two. Music was a major part of her life and singing was her forte. Norma had perfect pitch .She sang and entertained for the USO during World War II and occasionally with Ted Weames Orchestra. Norma played the piano six years for the Sara McKnight School of Dance in Hartsville, SC. She sang in many civic organizations’ theatre performances, weddings and sporting events, all which received rave reviews. Norma’s angelic soprano voice was heard in various theatres and accompanied by her talented sister, Dot DeWitt on the Pee Dee Co-op sponsored WHSC Radio Program, “The Dot and Norma Show”. She was first runner-up in the Miss Darlington pageant, and a Judge at many State and Local Beauty contests. Norma was for many years the Director of the South Carolina Tobacco Festival. She was a vital partner and leader with the Hartsville Food Distribution. After many years of service to Mr. R.A. Terry, Treasurer of Sonoco Products Company, in Hartsville, SC, Norma retired from the Accounts Receivable Department, Norma will forever be missed and remembered for her natural beauty, amazing grace, sweet smile, warm hugs, and most importantly sharing her deep Faith and abiding love for Jesus Christ, her Lord and Savior. Arrangements entrusted to Brown-Pennington-Atkins Funeral Home, 306 West Home Avenue, Hartsville, SC. Visitation will be held at the funeral home on Tuesday, August 6, 2013, from 5 – 7 PM. Funeral services will be Wednesday, August 7, 2013, at 11:00 am at First Baptist Church, 104 East Home Avenue, Hartsville, SC, and officiated by Rev. Charles Roberts. Music provided by pianist and organist, Mrs. Kim Roberts, soloist, Mr. Anthony Floyd. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the Primary Children’s Sunday School Department, First Baptist Church, 104 East Home Avenue Hartsville, SC, 29550, or to Stanley Total Living Center, 514 Old Mount Holly Road, Stanley, NC 28164.

Tributes

Mrs. Norma Kirven Walker

February 12, 1923 - August 2, 2013