Lillie Mae Norris King, 81, passed peacefully and surrounded by family on September 1, 2022. She was preceded in death by her parents William “Bud” Norris and Dora Mae Reaves Norris as well as her two brothers, Buster and Maurice Norris. In 2008 she lost her husband and the love of her life, Kimble Kirby King. She is survived by her sister, Betty Smith, and her two daughters Kim Hawkins (Chris) and Dora Greene (Frank). She was blessed with five grandchildren, Kirby, Katie, Carson (Cheyanne), Isaac (Ashley), and Jonas. Kason was her only great-grandchild and he loved his “E”.   Nieces and nephews always found love in her presence.

     Over the years, too many to count have enjoyed her hospitality and a seat at her table. Those who enjoyed her home-cooking never left the table hungry. Her gift of hospitality touched those around her at home, church, nursing homes, and her work places. She worked harder than most with a sense of gratitude that filled the space around her. Although she never had a nursing license, her hands brought comfort and devotion to family and friends in time of illness and need.

     She grew up farming tobacco with her family in Brunswick County and then served many customers in the food service industry starting in Calabash. She and Kimble met in Calabash and moved to Charlotte after they married. They raised their family there, but never lost their love for the home of Brunswick County and returned in 1991.

     Her grandchildren and great grandchild were true joys in her life. She enjoyed playing Scrabble, Yahtzee, and Skip-Bo with them and was very competitive. It was an event the first time you beat her at a game. They loved to play and enjoyed the banter with Granny.

     If you visited her house, you quickly became acquainted with Spot. Spot was her companion and furry friend for many years. Spot lives with Dora now, but will always be Mama’s dog, her baby.

   Rest peacefully, you’ve found joy and we will one day hear your voice again, “Hey baby, come on in….”

     Services will be held at the Bill Inman Cemetery in Ash, NC on Wednesday, September 7, 2022.  The family will welcome friends and family at 10:00 with the service at 11:00, David Todd, Friendship Baptist Church, officiating.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Lower Cape Fear Life Care, SECU Hospice House of Brunswick. Their care for her and the family was truly a blessing.