Laura Harris Norton, 88

July 21, 1936 – May 20, 2025

“Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the Lord, she shall be praised. Give her of the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her in the gates.” Proverbs 31:30-31

After a lengthy battle with dementia, our beautiful mother, devoted friend, and sister in Christ, Mrs. Laura Oretha Harris McMullen Norton, age 88, met the promises of her faith, won the victory, and heard those sweet words, “Well done thy good and faithful servant”, as she entered into her Heavenly Home on Tuesday Morning May 20, 2025, at Christopher’s Manor Assisted Living in Holly Springs.

Funeral Service honoring the life of Mrs. Laura will be at 11 AM, Thursday May 22, 2025, in the Heritage Chapel of the Ripley Funeral Home with a one-hour visitation prior to her service beginning at 10 AM. Bro. Daren Owens will officiate, and burial will follow in the Liberty Methodist Church Cemetery in Benton County, with a graveside prayer.

Born on July 21, 1936, in Calhoun, Kentucky, Mrs. Laura was the daughter of the late Guy and Ruby Caraway Harris. She received her education from the Calhoun Public School System, and on December 5, 1960, married her beloved husband, Mr. Larry Gene McMullen. The two built their home in the Benton County Community, and had three children, Jan, Scott, and Chris. After the passing of Mr. Larry on April 22, 1986, Mrs. Laura continued raising her children, providing them with the best life possible, tending to their home, and instilling good Christian values in each of them. She remarried Mr. William Edard Norton, known as “Will Edd” to most everyone, and together they lived a happy life, enjoying one another’s company, until his passing in 2015.

A saved Christian and member of Pine Hill Primitive Baptist Church, Mrs. Laura was very dedicated to her Lord and Savior, craving his word always, and seeking his love daily. In her earlier years, she devoted much of her time serving the church in any way possible, always offering to help wherever she may be needed. Her family has fond memories of her wonderful cooking, specializing in good southern dishes.

She was never one to sugar coat anything, and although the last few years of her life she had become a little less serious, Mrs. Laura never wavered in holding back her opinion or reframing from telling it like it is. Nevertheless, the staff of Christopher’s manor grew to love her sassiness and strong willingness, for she was quick witted, assuring them all she would not be bossed around. She definitely made her impression on this world, yet even though it is certainly dimmer without her here, what a joyous day it is knowing Mrs. Laura has forever been healed, sitting at the feet of Jesus.

Those left to cherish her memories include her daughter, Jan Pipkin (Carl), her son, Chris McMullen (Donna), her daughter in law, Dana McMullen, her stepsons, Eddie Norton (Judy), and Frank Norton (Kathy), her stepdaughter, Judy Thompson, a host of grandchildren, great grandchildren, step grandchildren, step great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, family, and friends.

She is preceded in death by her first husband, Mr. Larry Gene McMullen, her second husband, Mr. Will Ed Norton, her son, Scott McMullen, one sister, five brothers, and one grandson.

In lieu of flowers, nothing would honor Mrs. Laura’s memory more than a donation being made to the North Mississippi Regional Center, where all their staff has taken wonderful care of her granddaughter, Allyson Pipkin.

Those serving as pallbearers will be Dwight Smith, Art Humphreys, Neil Bennett, Ronnie Joe Bennett, Perry Pipkin, and Carl Pipkin.

Ripley Funeral Home invites you to share memories with Mrs. Lauras family.

Please follow the funeral home link above for further information, or to send online condolences or memorial gifts.