Ms. Myra McDonald Norton, 70, of Newnan, died peacefully in her sleep on Saturday, Dec. 16, 2023, at Riverdale Healthcare.

Born Jan. 5, 1953, in Durand, Georgia, she was the daughter of the late George Richardson McDonald Sr., and the late Sara Frances Funderburk McDonald. She was a life-time member of Mills Chapel Baptist Church. She was a devoted mother. Myra married the love of her life and gave birth to a son in the late 70's. Shortly thereafter, she was diagnosed with a central nervous system chemical imbalance, which, even though medically treated for decades now, drastically changed the direction of her life. Later in adulthood, being single exacerbated the trauma reality of a new normal for Myra. She was a loyal employee for many years at K-mart, then Dollar General stores. Michael was her first priority, and she was always able to see him. He was forever her pride and joy. Wherever she was, her son always visited frequently. She attended his wedding as a beautiful mother of the groom and was so proud when he became a firefighter. Over the years, her wellness continued to decline and did not permit the awareness of much outside of the health care facility. When her son died in the line of duty in 2017, someone was sent to tell her about his death. That news breaking story, along with a televised funeral procession was featured for days on all the local airwaves. Her world was devastated. She had a beautiful voice and a great sense of humor. Singing became a channel to express her sorrow. She sang every day expressing her own lyrics to existing tunes of hymns or seasonal compilations. Those who witnessed this talent will miss hearing her voice. She was a favorite of everyone who came in contact with her. She had a heart of love and a soul of gold. She loved forever and was loved by all who knew her.

Survivors include her daughter-in-law, Brittany Norton; grandchildren, Braelynn Emory Norton, and Lainey Michael Norton; brothers, Derrel F. McDonald, and Robert Phillip McDonald, Sr. (Mollie); and several nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews.

A memorial service will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, January 7, 2024, at Hillcrest Chapel.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that donations be made to the National Alliance for the Mentally Ill (NAMI), NAMI Georgia, 4120 Presidential Pkwy., #200 Atlanta, GA 30340, in memory of Myra.

Higgins Funeral Home Hillcrest Chapel is honored to serve the family of Myra Norton, please visit www.hillcrestchapelcares.com to share your memories or leave a condolence message.