Judy Norris

Judy Norris, a loving mother, sister, wife, and friend, passed away on August 12, 2026, after a long battle with dementia. She was born on February 4, 1949, in Montcalm, West Virginia, to Norman Ratcliff and Joyce Pickett.

Early Life

Judy grew up in a large and loving family in West Virginia. She was preceded in death by her parents, Norman Ratcliff and Joyce Pickett, her stepfather Willie Havens, and her brothers David Ratcliff, David Havens, Craig Havens, and Bernie Ratcliff. Her brother Bernie also passed away after battling dementia.

She is survived by her brother Billy Ratcliff and her sisters Shirley Miller, Bernice Lucado, and Regina Pennington. Her sister Shirley is currently battling dementia in a nursing home.

Marriage and Family

Judy later moved to Baltimore, Maryland, where she met her husband, Donald Norris Sr. They both worked at General Motors and built a life together.

When their son, Donald Norris Jr., turned 18, Judy and Donald legally separated, but they never divorced. They remained close, continued to support one another, and stayed connected as a family until Donald’s passing in April 2017.

Later Life and Devotion to Family

After her separation, Judy returned to West Virginia and reunited with the love of her life, where she was happier than she had ever been.

In 2003, her son was involved in a near-life-ending, life-changing accident. Judy made the decision to leave the life she had built and return to North Carolina to care for him. She devoted herself fully to his recovery, nursing him back to health and standing by him through one of the most difficult times of his life.

Career and Work Ethic

Judy was a woman who never stopped working. Over the course of her life, she:

• Retired from General Motors

• Earned her cosmetology license

• Owned hair salons and tanning salons

• Ran a food truck

• Worked as a bartender

• Worked outages at Duke Power for 14 years

She was known for her determination, independence, and strong work ethic in everything she did.

Midnight Express LKN and Legacy

One of Judy’s greatest accomplishments was starting Midnight Express LKN, a transportation business created in part from her desire to help prevent drinking and driving, as well as her son’s own experience with a drunk driving accident.

The business became something she built with pride and purpose. In her final years, Judy and her son began working together again, with him helping her with daily activities while also supporting the business.

Today, her son continues to operate Midnight Express LKN, carrying forward the business and the legacy they built together.

A memorial service will be conducted 11:00 AM Friday, September 11, 2026 at Cravens-Shires Funeral Home. The family will receive friends from 10:00 AM until the time of service.