Marvel Norton

October 15, 1916 - April 12, 2011

Marvel Elaine (Gray) Norton, 94, of Hoopeston, passed away at 8:25 a.m. Tuesday, April 12, 2011, at her home in Hoopeston. Marvel was born Oct. 15, 1916, in Penfield, daughter of Eldon Gray and Nina E. (Rader) Gray. She attended Rossville schools and graduated from Rossville High School in 1934. She married Colmon W. Norton in 1942 in Hoopeston. He preceded her in death in 1993. Together they owned and operated the Main Street Inn from 1943 to 1973. Later she became a Realtor, working with Timmons Real Estate and later with Bird Real Estate. She was a member of the Hoopeston United Methodist Church. Marvel served on the finance committee and worked on many other church functions. She was a member of the Hoopeston Art Association for 31 years, winning many blue ribbons for her art work. Marvel was also a member of the Hoopeston and Rossville Historical Society, Hubbard Trail Country Club in Rossville and the DAR (Barbara Standish Chapter). She enjoyed golfing, playing bridge, euchre, traveling, cooking and entertaining. Marvel is survived by one sister, Mary Jane Clark of Hoopeston; and one brother, Jack Gray of Friendswoods, Texas. Also surviving are nieces and nephews, Diane (Tom) Byrket, John (Brenda) Clark, Jane Townsley, John (Kathy) Townsley, Bill (Genia) Ward, Dan (Carolyn) Gray, Susan Davis, Elizabeth Murphy and Nancy Warnick; and many great-nieces and great-nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, stepson, two brothers, two sisters and one nephew. Services: 1 p.m. Friday, April 15, at Anderson Funeral Home, 427 E. Main St., Hoopeston, with the Rev. Janet Eggleston officiating. Burial: Floral Hill Cemetery, Hoopeston. Visitation: noon to 1 p.m. Friday, April 15, at the funeral home. Memorials: Hoopeston United Methodist Church, 403 E. Main St., Hoopeston, IL, 60942.