Audrey Norton

Audrey Marion Norton, age 90, of Pontiac, Michigan went home to be with her Lord and Savior on Wednesday afternoon, June 7, 2017. Audrey was born on January 2, 1927 in Pickford, Michigan, the daughter of the late Jennie (Taylor) and Clayton Morrison, former Michigan state representative from Pickford. She received her education from Pickford Schools and Bob Jones University. On June 4, 1951, Audrey was united in marriage at the Pickford United Methodist Church to James K. Norton of Dafter, MI, a union that was to produce four sons and a daughter. In 1952, the couple departed for Japan, where the couple spent the majority of the ensuing 49 years in missionary service, first under The Evangelical Alliance Mission (TEAM) and later with Baptist World Mission, founding 7 local Japanese churches while maintaining an extensive evangelistic focus throughout the country. A devoted piano teacher throughout all of her years in Japan, Audrey influenced scores of young Japanese and American students both musically and in their faith development. During one of her family's occasional terms in the USA, Audrey directed the band and taught music at Pickford High School. Each Thursday in Japan, she faithfully participated in church women's meetings, often hosting them in her home. She loved to connect with people, listen to their stories, open her home, and fellowship around meals with family and friends. Audrey is survived by four sons: Jimmie D. Norton of Ft. Mitchell, AL, Thomas (Sheila) Norton of Murfreesboro, TN, Bryce Norton of Pontiac, MI, and Joseph (Mary) Norton of Cincinnati, OH; daughter Kathleen (John) Nelson of Houghton, NY; 16 grandchildren, and 18-great grandchildren, as well as numerous nieces and nephews. She is also survived by two sisters: Dorthea (Ragan) Callaway of Missoula, MT, and June Peffers of Sault Ste. Marie, MI. Audrey was preceded in death by her parents and her husband, Dr. James K. Norton. Visitation will be held from 4:00 PM until 7:00 PM on Tuesday, June 13, 2017 at the C.S. Mulder Funeral Home. The funeral service at C.S. Mulder Funeral home will begin at 11:00 AM on Wednesday, June 14, 2017, with Pastor Tim Rader and Dr. Thomas Norton co-officiating. Interment will follow at Kinross Lakeview Cemetery.

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Audrey Norton

January 2, 1927 - June 7, 2017