Norma Smith

Norma East Etheridge Smith, of Gales Creek, passed away on Friday, December 31, 2021, at her home.

The family will receive friends from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m., Saturday, January 8, 2022, at Munden Funeral Home in Morehead City. Norma will be laid to rest at Maple Hill Cemetery in Bluefield, Virginia.

Norma was born in Bristol, Tennessee to the late Major and Geneva East. After receiving her LPN degree from Carteret Community College, she went on to obtain several other degrees, including her master’s degree from East Carolina University. Norma was an exception nurse who provided great care to her patients at Carteret Health Care where she worked 45 years as a pre and post operator nurse. As a mentor to so many, her welcome face and years of experience allowed her to be an excellent educator at Carteret and Craven Community Colleges. Norma thoroughly enjoyed her time of teaching and working with her students to solve their questions.

In her later years, Norma enjoyed fun shopping trips, and cooking and baking for her family. She loved living near the water and the beautiful, serene view it provided. Going in the water was a different story, she never appreciated that aspect but sure enjoyed the view. She was known for her tomato sandwiches and Pepsi Cola’s. Her peaceful demeanor and contagious smile will be missed by all.

She is survived by her husband, James “Jim” LeRoy Smith of the home; daughters, Frankie Etheridge Locklear (Jason) of Morristown, TN and Jenna Etheridge of Morehead City; sons, Clint Etheridge of Greenville, Brandon Etheridge of Morehead City, and Josh Etheridge of Newport; grandchildren, Taylor Locklear, Landen Locklear, Sophia Locklear, Cullen Etheridge, Cayden Etheridge, and Lola Gundlach; surrogate daughter, Nicole Frost and her family Ty and Sophie Frost, all of Morehead City; and cousins, Donna (Herb) Orama, and Alison and David Orama.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Norma Etheridge Smith, to the Carteret County Nursing Scholarship, 3500 Arendell St., Morehead City, NC 28557.

Family and friends are welcome to submit online condolences at www.mundenfuneralhome.net

Arrangements by Munden Funeral Home & Crematory in Morehead City, NC.