Virginia Norris Elder

Virginia Norris Elder, a beloved member of her community, mother and grandmother, passed away peacefully on Thursday, January 30th, 2025, at the age of 95.

Born on January 4th, 1930, in Troy, North Carolina, Virginia was the daughter of the late Anderson Dennis and Sadie Nordan Dennis. She was preceded in death by her two brothers, David Dennis and Carson Dennis, and her sister, Jane Norris Grimes. Virginia upheld the values and love instilled by her family, which she carried forward to her own children and those who knew her.

Virginia attended Pfeiffer College in Misenheimer, NC.  It was during her Freshman year there when a lifetime thrill of visiting New York City was achieved during a performance by the Pfeiffer College Concert Choir, of which she was a member.  She spoke often of that glorious bus trip to New York and all the accompanying shenanigans along the way.  It was a highlight of her young life and peaked her passion for the art of music, particularly hymns.  With a continued attraction to vocalization among a group, she later joined the Lexington Choral Society of Lexington, NC, and engaged in a group of "best friends for life" where regular practices and performances became her passion.

As a young woman, Virginia married William Carlton Norris "Bill" of Troy, NC.  Together they had two children, Nancy "Nan" and William, Jr., "Chip."  Bill passed away in 1977 at the young age of 50.

Six years later Virginia married Clyde Elder and found herself moving to Richmond, Virginia, where the newly married couple made a wonderful life for themselves, enjoying travel, fine dining, and of course dear friends.

During her Lexington time, Virginia had worked for several years in real estate with Byerly Realty in Lexington.  The Byerly family encouraged her to complete her studies in real estate and qualify for a license to sell.  She was proud of this achievement, even though her time as an agent wasn't long term due to the move to Richmond.

In time, Clyde and Virginia decided to move to Pinehurst, NC, to reside near family.  After 10 years living in Pinehurst with her beloved Clyde, Virginia became a widow once again in 2003.  Clyde's passing at that time left a significant loneliness, encouraging her to eventually seek out a new life at Piedmont Crossing in Thomasville, NC., where she has happily resided since 2015 and more recently has had the special opportunity of living near her sister, Nancy Helsabeck.

Virginia is survived by daughter, Nan Fromkin, of Wilmington, DE, and Nan's husband Robert; her son, Chip Norris of Lexington, NC, and his sons, Anderson Norris and Aaron Norris; and her sister, Nancy Helsabeck of Thomasville. She is also survived by many loving nieces and nephews, who quite literally adore her, with the feeling being mutual. There is even a great niece who will forever refer to her as "Ma Burge" since that was apparently easier to say than "Aunt Virginia" as a toddler!

Finally, friends who will greatly miss their dear Virginia must be mentioned.  People stretching from Maine, Delaware, Virginia, North Carolina, and California are beginning to grieve the loss of their "Virgie."  And in NC, on the Piedmont Crossing campus, her laughter, smile, and hugs will forever set the standard for humanity and humility.

In her passing, Virginia leaves behind a wealth of cherished kindness.  There will be a Celebration of Life held at Piedmont Crossing Retirement Home on May 14, 2025, in the Unity Chapel at 2:30 pm.  In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be made to Baptist Children's Home of North Carolina in Thomasville by visiting bchfamily.org and selecting: Donate.   Memorial contributions may also be made to the Davidson County Humane Society by visiting humanesocietyofdavidsoncounty.org and selecting Donate to Help Animals. And finally, a special tribute contribution may be made to EveryAge Foundation at the following web site: https://everyage.org/foundation/

Arrangements are being handled by Davidson Funeral Home. Virginia's family extends heartfelt thanks to all who have been a part of her remarkable journey.

Condolences may be made at www.davidsonfuneralhome.net