Norma Green Heath

Ms. Norma Green Heath passed away at the age of 88 in Burlington, NC on April 26, 2026 after a brief illness. Norma is survived by her daughter Cynthia Heath Cash of Burlington, granddaughter Christiana Abigail Cash of Burlington, NC , grandson Graison Heath Mckissick of Raleigh, NC, brother Tim Green( Dawn) of Graham, NC, nieces Ashley Chesson ( Brian) Las Cruces, NM and Christie Soper ( Dave ) New Bern, NC and nephew Tommy Green ( Denise ) Greensboro, NC. She is preceded in death by her husband of 56 years, Paul Ray Heath, parents Thomas Claude Green and Alene Edmonds Green Deaton, and an infant brother, Tommy Green.

Norma was born in the textile community of Gastonia, NC in 1937 before moving to Burlington in 1943. Immediately after graduating from Walter M. Williams High School in Burlington in 1955 she began work in a clerical position at a textile mill in Ossipee, NC. She met her beloved husband at her aunt Margie’s music store in Burlington where she assisted part time.

Norma lived a colorful life to say the least---when Norma’s brother was about 10 years of age she challenged him for $5 ( a lot of money to a kid back then) to eat a very hot, spicy pickled red pepper about the size of a golf ball. With much consternation Tim suddenly and unexpectedly popped the pepper in his mouth with tears rolling. Norma exclaimed apologetically “ I don’t have $5 can I just eat one too?” so they both suffered together. When Norma was about 22 years old she was somewhat desperately willing to try a home remedy to remove freckles. Norma, in her 2 piece bathing suit, Paul and brother Tim ventured out just before sunrise to a prescribed rye field near the present Western Alamance High School. The procedure, if followed properly, must be done on May 1 and involved washing one’s face with morning dew from rye—supposedly to remove freckles and create a flawless complexion. While a few cars passed nearby, the scene fortunately did not create a traffic jam only many laughs then and since.

After marriage, Paul served in the army, These were humble and austere times with a hamburger helper meal being something to look forward to. A little later Norma began work for the U. S. Department of Defense as an Industrial Specialist for 32 years at the Western Electric facility in Burlington and the Guilford Center before retiring in 1993. Norma was extremely devoted to her family and for more than 30 years, she would tirelessly, single- handedly spend days sometimes into the early morning preparing Christmas eve dinner for them. She made sure the special feast included each one’s favorite item whether green beans, German chocolate cake or her really special potato salad---a true labor of love. She once made for her brother’s birthday a death by chocolate cake. The original recipe combined 7 individual recipes that took her 17 hours to complete.

Norma was pleased to work closely with her brother to edit and publish in 2019 the book titled Wave Goodbye At The Corner---a collection of more than 100 poems and short stories written by their dad.

Norma was a woman whose presence brought comfort, beauty and steadfast love to those around her. She was always present—eagerly there for family, friends, and anyone who needed her support. Generous with both her time and resources, she invested deeply in people’s lives, making others feel valued and cared for. She was as eager to give as she was always resistant to acknowledge credit or expect any recognition or anything in return. Known for always being dressed to the nines, she and her beloved husband, Paul, were often perfectly attire coordinated---a reflection of the care and joy they shared together. She carried herself with grace, elegance, dignity, warmth and a quiet strength that made her unforgettable.

Her love for the Lord was at the center of her life. Her faith guided the way she loved others, served those around her and lived with kindness, purpose, and forgiveness. She was deeply committed to sharing that faith through visitation and going door to door faithfully reaching out to others with encouragement and the hope she carried. She was a devoted and dependable servant for Kinnett Memorial Baptist Church in Burlington for 30 years. She served as secretary for her Front Runner Sunday school class where she had a seat with her own name plaque on the back---if Norma was there all felt right. She served on the Hospitality Committee and she was a nursery ministry worker.

Norma was considered a Bible scholar with a perennial goal to read the Bible from cover to cover which she did at least 15 times. She knew the Bible well and loved studying and sharing God’s word. Her faith was not only spoken but lived out in practical acts of love---taking food to those in need, bringing gifts to celebrate new babies, birthdays, and marriages, and contributing faithfully to church functions and activities with both her presence and her talents. Many will fondly remember her delicious stuffed strawberries and pasta salad, lovingly prepared and often shared at gatherings that brought people together. Even as age advanced with agonizing arthritic pain she struggled but continued to bake homemade cookies, brownies and cakes for loved ones.

She was a devoted wife, a loving mother and aunt, the dearest sister and a cherished grandmother who found deep joy in her family. She nurtured those she loved with tenderness, wisdom, and unwavering support, creating a legacy of love that will continue through generations. She found much happiness in life’s simple pleasures: growing roses, tending her tomato garden and riding her stationary bikes---she literally wore out 3 of them over several decades. Norma also enjoyed gathering with friends and family at her favorite restaurant, where laughter and conversation were always abundant and lively. She loved community, friendship, and creating beauty in everyday moments. A true and memorable highlight for her was traveling to Hawaii with Don and Kim Pegg to stay on a Big Island coffee farm.

Norma will be remembered as a selfless, faithful woman of courage and determination whose life reflected love, grace, generosity, and service. Her legacy lives on in the people she touched, the family she treasured, the faith she lived, and the memories cherished by all who knew her. Her life was a testimony to showing up, giving freely, loving deeply, and serving joyfully. She will be dearly missed and lovingly remembered.

A visitation is scheduled from 1:30 p.m. to 2:45 p.m. with the service to follow at 3:00 p.m. on Sunday May 3, 2026, officiated by Reverend Don Pegg at Lowe Funeral Home located at 2205 South Church Street, Burlington, NC. The burial will take place at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, May 4 at Alamance Memorial Park located 4039 South Church Street, Burlington. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Norma’s life. In lieu of flowers, please send contributions to Kinnett Memorial Baptist Church at 1106 East Morehead Street, Burlington, NC 27215. The family wishes to thank the staff at the Alamance Regional Medical Center for their kind and compassionate care.