Patricia Killi Norton

Patricia Killi Norton June 24, 1928 – Oct. 11, 2016 Pat Norton passed away Tuesday, October 11, 2016, at the age of 88. Services will be 10:00 a.m., Friday, October 14, in the Wilkirson Hatch Bailey Chapel, with Rev. John Dirk, pastor of Woodway First United Methodist Church, officiating. A private family burial will follow. Visitation will be 6:00-8:00 p.m., Thursday, October 13, at Wilkirson-Hatch-Bailey. Pat was born in Waco at her grandmother's home, but spent much of her childhood in Galveston. Later she attended San Marcos Academy, then Waco High, graduating midterm 1945. By 1947 she had earned her B.S. In Medical Technology from Baylor and the UT Medical Branch in Galveston. She went on to operate St. Mary's Hospital Blood Bank in Galveston. At this time she met Wallace Norton at the First Methodist Church of Galveston, where he was youth director and assistant pastor, and was also working as a chemist at the UT Medical School. Pat and Wallace were married August 28, 1948, and moved immediately to Waco where Wallace entered grad school at Baylor University. For five years Pat operated Waco Medical Laboratory for Dr. Lawrence Collins. In 1953 her daughter, Paula, arrived, followed in 1955 by her son, Larry. After Larry's birth Wallace's work took the family to Kerrville, where they lived for 5 years, then Corpus Christi for 2 years, before they returned to Waco and found their home in Woodway. She went back to Baylor and earned her MS in biology in 1967, with teaching degrees in biology and chemistry. While working on her MS at Baylor, she taught for 3 years as graduate assistant. After receiving her MS, she taught biology and medical technology for one year at Hill Junior College, before joining MCC while it was still located on the old campus at James Connally Air Force Base. Pat worked for 20 years in the MCC Biology department, teaching Botany and Zoology. During this time she sponsored the Science Club, worked with the ALIVE program, judged science fairs and UIL, established the nature trail, and conducted zoology field trips to the UT Marine Station at Port Aransas. On the state level, she was active with the Collegiate Academy of Science and served as a Director of the Texas Academy of Science. She served as the Department Chairman of the Sciences before retiring from MCC in 1988. Pat had many talents and interests. After living in Woodway 20 years, Pat and Wallace built their dream home on a cliff overlooking Hog Creek. She and Wallace were active in both the Central Texas and Texas Archeological Societies. They were members of the Waco Sailing Club and enjoyed many trips and boating events with their friends. After Wallace’s death in 1992, Pat continued participating in archeology digs, attending Elderhostels, and was eager for any learning experience. She was also active in Audubon, Friends of the Library, and the Garden Patch Garden Club. Family was very important to Pat, and she delighted in spending time with her grandsons, Travis and Lee. They have many good memories of trips to Port Aransas. Pat is survived by her son, Larry Norton; daughter, Paula Ward and husband, Harrison; grandsons, Lee Ward and Travis Ward; her sister, Martha Killi Lyons; and bonus grandchildren, Nick and Jessica Ward. Memorials may be made to the MCC Foundation (General Scholarship Fund) 1400 College Drive, Waco TX 76708; or the charity of your choice. The family invites you to leave a message or memory on our “Tribute Wall” at www.WHBfamily.com.