Alison Norton

Alison Lee McElhone Norton, 82, passed away peacefully on March 13, 2018 in Rockwall, Texas. Alison was born May 28, 1935 in Poughkeepsie, NY to Dorothy Celeste Lee McElhone and Randal Joseph McElhone. She had two younger brothers, Buck McElhone and Don McElhone. In 1951, Alison’s aptitude for academics enabled her to graduate at the age of 16 years old from Las Vegas High School in Las Vegas, NV. Alison then earned her Bachelors and Masters degrees in Education and English at the University of Texas at Austin. While at UT, she joined the Alpha Phi Sorority. She was pledge trainer and President of the Omega Chapter as well as being chosen to be the Sweetheart of Sigma Chi. While in high school and college, Alison won many beauty pageants where her inner beauty appeared just as strongly as her lovely appearance. Alison was a remarkable Kindergarten teacher with her career leading her to teach in Ysleta (near El Paso), Austin, Pampa and in Terrell, Texas. She was also a teacher and principal at the First Presbyterian Church Kindergarten in Terrell where her commitment to students and her colleagues will never be forgotten. Alison was a fun, loving mother to her children and she was a delightful grandmother. She took great pride and joy in her grandchildren and loved watching them blossom and grow. She was a warm, supportive friend and gracious hostess. Her effortless grace and down-to-earth kindness allowed others to feel instantly comfortable in any situation. Alison loved to travel, hunt, play tennis, read and give gifts to others. She also loved to sing and dance. She enjoyed sharing the family ranch in Menard with family and friends where many timeless memories were made. Alison was an accomplished artist and many of her friends and family were gifted with her priceless creations that each will treasure forever. Alison was involved in many community service organizations. She volunteered at Children’s Health and the Cancer Support Community of North Texas. She was also involved in the Rockwall ISD PTA. Alison taught Sunday School and Vacation Bible School at St. John’s Catholic Church in Terrell and at Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church in Rockwall. Alison was a devout catholic with a strong faith and she was very proud of her Irish heritage. She was preceded in death by her parents, her brothers, her son, Randy Snow, her daughter, Becca Snow Rangel and her step-son, Tommy Norton III. Alison leaves behind to carry on her legacy her husband, Tom Norton; her children: Jenny Sperry and husband, David, Molly Akin and husband, Craig, Lee Gunder; step daughter Liz Morrison and husband, Richard; grandchildren: Marie Norton, Evan Morrison, Spencer Morrison and wife, Kristyn, Kara Rangel, Hali Sperry, Joseph Sperry, Raye Rangel, Miko Rangel, Daniel Rangel, Claire Gunder and Chloe Gunder as well as many nieces, nephews, extended relatives and a host of friends. For those wishing to honor Alison’s love of teaching, memorials may be made to the First Presbyterian Church Kindergarten School, 834 Griffith Avenue, Terrell, TX, 75160. Condolences, stories and photos may be shared with the family at www.maxslaytonfunerals.com. Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 2:00pm, Monday, March 19, 2018 at St. John the Apostle Catholic Church. A gathering of family and friends to share stories and celebrate the legacy of Alison will be 5:00pm to 7:00pm, Sunday, March 18, at Max Slayton Funeral Chapel.

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Alison Norton

May 28, 1935 - March 13, 2018