Norma Thelma Cuthrell
May 24, 1925 ~ March 12, 2015
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Norma Thelma Cuthrell, 89, went home to the Lord on Thursday, March 12, 2015. She had resided at the Spring Arbor Alzheimer Cottage for the past 4 years where she was wonderfully and lovingly cared for. She was born in Rocky Mount, NC on May 24, 1925 as the first daughter of the late Joseph Monroe Cuthrell and Thelma Scammell Cuthrell. She was preceded in death by her sister Joyce Cuthrell and nephew Ron Smith, Jr.
Norma was a devoted, generous and loving Christian. She faithfully attended both Lakeside and First Baptist churches throughout her life. She graduated from Rocky Mount High School in 1943. Just after graduation, she moved to Washington, DC to support the nations WWII effort as an employee of the US Army Signal Corps until 1945. She returned to Rocky Mount and worked as a secretary. In 1952, she attended Campbell College for a year, but had to drop out to help support her family. During her year at Campbell she met Dr. Charles Howard, Professor of Bible, who became a significant influence on her life of charitable giving, which was never less than tithing and often far above. In 1962, she joined United Federal Savings and Loan as a teller. In 1973, based on her outstanding work ethic and intelligence, she became VP and Assistant Secretary of United Federal. In 1985, she was promoted to Executive Vice President and retired in 1998. In 1986, she was appointed to the Board of Directors of the Howard Christian Education Fund.
She leaves to cherish her memory her youngest sister Jo Smith and husband Ronald of Henderson, NV. Her niece Laura Kight and husband Rusty and her nephew Alex Smith and wife Mary all from Frederick, MD. She also leaves to cherish her memory her great-nephews Russell, Tyler and Ryan Kight and great-nieces Amber and Alexandra Smith.
Throughout her faithful life, Aunt Nornie showered enormous love, time and generosity on her niece and nephews whom she thoroughly adored and who thoroughly loved and admired her. Her nephew Ron, Jr. was killed in a traffic accident in 1983, shortly after graduating with honors from the Civil Engineering Department of NC State. In memory of his life, Aunt Nornie became the largest single donor to the Ron Smith, Jr. Scholarship Fund of the Civil Engineering Department at NC State University which has provided support to more than 50 outstanding students.
There will be a private family graveside service at Pine View Cemetery at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Ron E. Smith, Jr. Scholarship Fund, NC State Engineering Foundation Inc., Campus Box 7901, Raleigh, NC 27695.
Arrangements are entrusted to Wheeler and Woodlief Funeral Home Cremation Services, 1130 N. Winstead Avenue, Rocky Mount, NC 27804. You may share your memories and condolences with the family by visiting www.wheelerwoodlief.com.
Cemetery
Pineview Cemetery
761 N. Raleigh Road
Rocky Mount, NC 27801
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Please accept our deepest condolences for your family’s loss.
Jo, when Norma and Joyce came to the JonesRegesWhitfield reunion in Red Oak, Norma said you have such a large, wonderful family. This was at the beginning of her illness. I explained to her that this was her family because all of us were descended from John Jones. Also, the way I found out that we are cousins, Joyce and I were in the same early morning prayer group. One day I mentioned for the group to keep Aunt Ruby in their prayers. Joyce said we have been praying for Aunt Ruby a long time. What is her last name I explained that her name was Ruby Reges. Joyce stopped everything and looked at me. She said well, we must be related. That is how I found out that Norma and Joyce (and you) were all my cousins. Please let me know when you come in town for the service. WW knows me and can find me. Best regards, Brenda Reges Shaw
Norma was a true and steadfast friend to the our family for many years. She was indeed a very giving and charitable person who will be remembered for her kindness and good works. Many of us in the Rocky Mount community will always remember her smile and gracious manner to all she came in contact with. Sincerely, Nancy P. Henry on behalf of the M. Webster Henry family.
Thoughts and prayers are with you during this time of sorrow. I previously worked for United Federal. That is how I came to know Norma Cuthrell. She was a fine lady and loved all of her family. Jo, Ronald, neices and nephews, you were truly loved by Norma. Please know you have my sympathy. Her sunset on earth was a sunrise in Heaven.
The death of a loved one is something we never wont to go through, but it is a time that we all go through, in our life. Jesus Christ is widely recognized as the greatest man who ever lived. Yet he surrendered his life for us 1,980 years ago. Concerning his death, the apostle Paul wrote One man died for all. 2 Cor. 5 14 What a great hope we have been given.