Mary Gwendolyn Giebeig Norris, 84, of Lake City, FL passed away early Monday morning, October 15, 2012 at Haven Hospice in Lake City following a brief illness. She was born in Deland, FL on January 3, 1928 to Paul Sparks Giebeig, Sr. and Ruth Duke Giebeig. In 1939, she moved with her family to Lake City, which remained her home until her death.
She attended Volusia and Columbia County Schools, and Montreat College High School, Montreat, NC as a boarding student where she was a member of the school orchestra and graduated with the Class of 1946. She maintained lifelong friendships with several dear Montreat classmates there. Gwendolyn attended Limestone College, Gaffney, SC before returning home to marry her beloved husband, William Bascom Norris, January 15, 1950. Their roots were firmly planted in Lake City throughout their lives.
To all who knew her, she was a person of great kindness, compassion and generosity. Her friends and family were valued treasures and a huge part of her life. She was devoted to those she loved, a wonderful encourager and a great listener.
She was a member of the First United Methodist Church, Lake City, the Edward Rutledge Chapter of the DAR, Gideons International Ladies Auxiliary, and the Columbia County Fair Association. She was also a past board member of the Gateway Girl Scout Council, a past member of the Women's Club of Lake City, The Susanna Wesley Sunday School Class, Church Circle, and Various School Committees where she served as a tireless volunteer during her daughters school years. Gwendolyn was preceded in death by her much loved husband, William Bascom Norris; parents, Paul and Ruth Giebeig; brothers, Paul Jr., Earl, and Bill; nephew, Brad Giebeig, and Sisters In Law, Shirley M. Giebeig and Betty S. Giebeig.
She is survived by her daughters, Laura Ruth Norris, Lake City, and Mary Anne Norris and Son-In-Law Jeff Norris, Alachua; special "Granddaughters" Ashley Adams and Lucinda Ford; Sister-In-Law, Virginia Giebeig Kindberg; and special nephew Jamie Holman (Ann) and children, Lucy, Mac, and Wells, Birmingham; along with a host of dear nieces, nephews, and cousins. She leaves a lasting legacy in the lives she encouraged, her friendships and acts of kindness.
Funeral services will be conducted at 3:00 P.M. Friday, October 19, 2012 at First United Methodist Church with Reverend Jeff Tate officiating. Interment will be private. The family will receive friends from 4:30 until 6:30 Thursday, October 18, 2012 at Gateway-Forest Lawn Funeral Home, 3596 S. HWY 441, Lake City, FL. (386) 752-1954. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to First United Methodist Church Worship Fund, 973 S. Marion Ave., Lake City, FL 32025, or Gideons International, P.O. Box 1805, Lake City, FL 32056. Please leave words of comfort to the family at www.gatewayforestlawn.com