Juanita (Nita) Norton

Juanita (Nita) Saunders Norton, 99, of Raleigh, passed away peacefully on January 10, 2026. Nita was born on December 16, 1926, in Birmingham, Alabama to Charlie Howard Saunders and Ruby Mae Anderson.

Nita was preceded in death by her husband Richard V. Norton and her sons, Dick Norton and Jimmy Norton. She is survived by her sons Bob Norton (Pam) and Don Norton (Lynn); Grandchildren Ashley Smith (Austin) and Josh Norton; Great Grandchildren Joshua, Jacob, Bryson, Easton, and Ryland.

A devoted woman of God, she lived her life guided by unwavering faith and a servant's heart. She faithfully served her church as a deacon, offering spiritual leadership, compassion, and quiet strength to all who knew her. Her commitment to serving others extended beyond the church walls. She volunteered for many years at Rex Hospital, where her kindness and gentle presence brought comfort to patients, families, and staff alike. Above all else, she deeply cherished her family. She was a loving and proud grandmother and great-grandmother, finding her greatest joy in time spent with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

A funeral service will be held at 1:00 pm Tuesday, January 20, 2026, at Bryan-Lee Funeral Home, 831 Wake Forest Road, Raleigh, NC. Interment will be private. The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm on Tuesday prior to the service.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her memory to Samaritans Purse (samaritanspurse.org) or Emmanuel Baptist Church (ebcraleigh.com).