Margaret Parker Norris

Margaret Gail Parker Norris was born at St. Mary's Hospital in Russellville an April 29, 1937 and was the first daughter of the late Ada and Chan Parker, who lived in Dardanelle at the time. She dies November 8, 2017 at her home in Conway with her family beside her. Margaret lived in Kensett and Paris, Arkansas and moved with her family to Harrisburg when she was in the 7th grade. She attended Harrisburg Junior High School and graduated from Harrisburg High School in 1955. She then graduated from Hendrix College in Conway in 1962 with a Bachelor of Arts in Education, and attended UCA for graduation hours in her chosen field. While in high school she worked first with the County Agent measuring cotton and then in her parents' drug store, Parker Rexall Drug Store. She enjoyed the comradery of working with both teens and adults. She was always dramatic and liked to act. Her interest in drama was heightened when she took speech or expression lessons in second grade in Conway. This continued and many scenes were played out in her home or the homes of friends. She enjoyed performing in her junior and senior plays. From the time she first learned to read, she was a passionate reader. She always had interesting books and would sometimes have 2 or 3 books at hand, reading them concurrently. Margaret also found interest in trivia and had knowledge of many things. She often surprised others by expressing connections between current events and trivia. As an adult, Margaret was a true lover of children and they responded to her in the same manner. Margaret was a Christian. She was baptized and joined the Methodist Church in Paris on October 20, 1946, when she was 9 years old. Margaret taught first grade for two years in Mabelvale in the Pulaski County Special School District, followed by 26 years in the Little Rock Public School System. Her focus in Little Rock was working with homebound students. As s Home-bound teacher most of her teaching occurred in homes, schools, hospitals and even jails. She had great pride in her work and was thrilled when she was able to see her students succeed. She retired on June 1, 1999, and was honored with a reception held in the LORD Administration Building Annex. Margaret is survived by three sons: Parker (Wendy) Norris of Conway, Kyle (Kimberly) Norris of Marietta, Georgia, and Blake (Becky) Norris of Little Rock. Her seven grandchildren are Anna (Kevin) Rawls and Austin Norris of Conway, Ian and Amanda Norris of Marietta, Georgia, and Conley Grayson, Greer and Camp Norris of Little Rock. She is survived also by two great-grandchildren, Parker and Oaks Rawls of Conway and a sister, Brenda (John) Collier of Conway. A graveside service will be held on Saturday, November 11, 2 p.m. in Oakwood Cemetery in Paris, Arkansas, officiated by Reverend John Collier. Online Guestbook available at www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/conway.