Norma Dillingham Morgan

WEAVERVILLE - Norma Dillingham Morgan died on New Year's Day, 2015, following a long decline. She was born on August 9, 1925, in Dillingham, NC, the first child of the late Velna Stevens Dillingham and Arthur Dillingham. A graduate of Women's College (UNC-Greensboro) with a Master's Degree from Western Carolina University, Norma was an innovative and energetic teacher whom many students kept in touch with throughout the years. Norma taught school in Buncombe County for over 30 years, having retired from Weaverville Elementary School. She was an active member of her church and many community organizations as well as political and professional teaching associations. She was a respected genealogist who sought to help families preserve their heritage through her research and publications. An avid history buff, she enjoyed the pursuit of learning the stories and making connections of WNC families. Her private papers have been collected for others to use at Mars Hill University. She had a deep and abiding love of the Blue Ridge Mountains, birds and wildflowers. Her awe of the majesty of the Appalachians and music endured until the end of her life. She enjoyed any opportunity to travel whether throughout WNC, the United States or abroad. Norma shared close friendships and mentored many who sought her advice to handle life's challenges or to explore its many mysteries. In addition to her parents, Norma was preceded in death by her husband Harry Conrad Morgan, her sister JoAnn Dillingham Glasscock and daughter-in-law Rachel Fox Morgan. She is survived by her son Reed Folsom Morgan and his wife, Verna Mull Morgan, grandson Justin Fox Morgan and his wife, Jo Ellen Narron Morgan, daughter Sara "Sally" Morgan Guérard and her husband, Judson. Also surviving are her sister Nancy Dillingham Ernst and her husband, Andrew, her brother Martin "Marty" Dillingham, and her extended family of four nieces, four nephews, six great nieces and two great nephews. Additionally, she leaves behind two special "second" daughters, Ellen Garrison and Deana Dillingham Holland. Norma's service will be held at 2:00 p.m. Sunday, January 4, 2015, in Weaverville United Methodist Church with Reverend Mitch Wilson officiating and Lena Epps Brooker assisting. The family will greet friends at the church following the service in the fellowship hall. Burial will be at a later date in Absalom Dillingham Cemetery, Barnardsville. In lieu of flowers, those who wish to make a memorial to Norma might consider a gift to the Absalom Dillingham Cemetery Fund, c/o Anne Dillingham, 9 Union Chapel Road, Weaverville, NC 28787 or Memory Care, 100 Far Horizons Lane, Asheville, NC 28803. The family would like to thank her family at Arbor Terrace Assisted Living and Memory Care, including Dr. Margaret Noel; also her long-time physician, Dr. Lucien Rice. West Funeral Home, Weaverville is in charge of arrangements. For those who desire, condolences may be offered to the family under Norma's obituary at www.WestFamilyFuneralServices.com. Norma’s service will be held at 2:00 p.m. Sunday, January 4, 2015, in Weaverville United Methodist Church with Reverend Mitch Wilson officiating and Lena Epps Brooker assisting. The family will greet friends at the church following the service in the fellowship hall. Burial will be at a later date in Absalom Dillingham Cemetery, Barnardsville. In lieu of flowers, those who wish to make a memorial to Norma might consider a gift to the Absalom Dillingham Cemetery Fund, c/o Anne Dillingham, 9 Union Chapel Road, Weaverville, NC 28787 or Memory Care, 100 Far Horizons Lane, Asheville, NC 28803.