JoAnn Graff Norton, age 79, born December 12, 1936, passed from this life on November 4, 2016 after a lengthy illness. She was retired from the Jefferson County Sherriff’s Department after serving there for 30 years.

She was born to Clarine Strickland Graff and Joseph W. Graff in Birmingham and was the youngest of three daughters. She loved her sisters, Eleanor and Janet, and they had a wonderful childhood growing up in Homewood, AL on Forrest Drive. She was a graduate of Shades Valley High School, class of 1955.

JoAnn married Patrick Moore and they had three children: Russell Patrick Moore, who passed in May, Suzann Moore Rupp (Don), and Laura Moore Hinnegan (Joe). She dutifully raised her children as a single mother and often worked multiple jobs to keep her family afloat. She was the epitome of a hard worker, and gave her children a good work ethic, a do-it-yourself mentality, and a view that there is “always a way” through her positive outlook on life. She had a kind heart and gentle spirit.

She was blessed with seven grandchildren whom she loved dearly, and they loved their Nanny. She was so proud of their many accomplishments. They are James Moore (Amy), Krista Lazarus Gilliland (Brandon), Leigh Ann Lazarus, Melissa Moore, Matthew McClellan, Andrew Hinnegan, and Kelsey Hinnegan. She also had four great-grandchildren (and one on the way), who all loved visiting her and playing on the farm.

JoAnn remarried later in life to Gordon Norton. They loved each other’s company, loved to travel, and spent much time at the beach. They retired to Heflin, AL and built a home there on the Norton Family Farm. They enjoyed many years together, and she loved being a farm wife. She learned to can and freeze vegetables from Gordon's garden. She made pickles and jelly and loved to bake, and Gordon loved to eat! What a perfect relationship! But unfortunately she had a devastating stroke six years ago. Gordon has never left her side and has taken such wonderful loving care of her that she was able to remain at home.

Her dedicated caregiver for these past six years, Carol McElroy, looked after them both, and we thank her from the bottom of our hearts for being such a blessing.

We would also like to thank all of her other care givers and sitters, nurses, home health care folks, including Kim, Winnie, Peggy, Connie, Hermanda, Ashley, and Sonya.

JoAnn recently had a bout of pneumonia and never fully recovered, but kept her sense of humor until the end. And she always used say pneumonia is “the old folk’s friend.” She passed peacefully, reaching up to the sky, taking a hand only she could see. JoAnn leaves her husband, daughters, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, devoted nieces, nephews, in-laws, and many friends to cherish her memory. She’s got no strings to hold her down any longer, and she will be dearly missed.

A graveside service will be held Wednesday, November 9, 2016 at Heflin Memorial Gardens, in Heflin, Al, at 11 a.m. The family will receive friends at Dryden Funeral Home in Heflin, Al, from 9 a.m to 10:45 that morning.

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