COLERAIN – Lillian Ward Norvelle, age 101, died Sunday, February 24, 2013 in her home.

Mrs. Norvelle was born in Hertford County, a daughter of the late Claudia Powell and Beecher Henry Ward, on March 6, 1911.  She was married to the late William Blount Norvelle and from this union was born twin girls.

Lillian was the oldest member of Christian Harbor Baptist Church where she remained active until the age of 100.  She was active in the Home Demonstration Club for over 50 years, and was a volunteer with the Roanoke Chowan Hospital Auxiliary, working in the gift shop until the age of 90.

Left to cherish her memory are her daughters, Jean N. White of Harrellsville, and June N. Merritt of Colerain; and her grandchildren, Jo Anne Peele and husband, Mark, of San Antonio, TX; Cynthia O’Berry and husband, Keith, of Greensboro, Donald S. Merritt and wife, Lori, of Harrellsville,  J. Troy Merritt and wife, Toni, of Colerain, Nathan White and wife, Dina, of Harrellsville, Bill White and wife, Tammy, of Colerain, Patrick White of Harrellsville, and Jeanne W. Newman of Greenville. She is also survived by 15 great grandchildren and one great great grandchild.

A celebration life service will be conducted on Wednesday, February 27, 2013, at 11:00 a.m., at the chapel of Garrett-Sykes Funeral Service in Ahoskie with the Rev. Hugh Mizelle officiating.  Burial will follow in Highland Memorial Gardens.

The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 7:00 until 8:30 p.m. on Tuesday, February 26.  Flowers are welcome or memorial donations may be made to Christian Harbor Baptist Church, P.O. Box 326, Harrellsville, NC, 27910.

Family and friends may send condolences and sign the online guestbook by visiting www.garrettsykesfs.com.