Jean Norris

Jean Snipes Norris, 88, of Atlantic Beach, NC, passed away on August 28, 2026 after a sudden illness.

Born in Durham, Jean attended Oak Grove School. She was a high school cheerleader and graduated class of 1956. She met the love of her life, Wade, at a square dance. It was love at first sight, and they married on July 12, 1957.

Jean worked at Liggett & Myers in the 1960s and later worked as a secretary in the Durham Public Schools, where she touched the lives of many teachers and students.

In the 1980s, Jean and Wade fulfilled their dream of moving to the coast. She loved the sunshine, fishing and spending time with friends and family, who especially appreciated her cooking skills and generous spirit. Warm and welcoming, Jean never met a stranger. Neighbors soon became lifelong friends, for whom she cared deeply.

Jean was preceded in death by her devoted husband, Wade P. Norris.

She is survived by her daughters Diana Norris and Polly Reardon (Jim) and her son Joseph Norris (Elaine). She was so proud of her beloved grandsons Julian (Simone), Taylor (Casey) and Noah (Paige), as well as honorary grandsons Jacob and Luke, whom she embraced as her own. And she absolutely adored her great-grandbabies Bennett and Nova.

The family suggests that memorial donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital (stjude.org/donate) or to the Masonic Home for Children at Oxford (mhc-oxford.org).

Per Jean’s wishes, there will be no funeral service. A celebration of life will be held at a later date.

Arrangements provided by Just Cremations of Morehead City, NC.