Norma “Jean” Horton, 78, of Morganton, NC, passed away Thursday, January 1, 2026 following a period of declining health.
Born in Sylva, NC on September 30, 1947, she was the daughter of Mary Elizabeth “Lib” Fortune Horton and the late Laton Alton “Al” Horton, Sr.
Jean was an educator and spent the majority of her career teaching kindergarten and first grade at Mull Elementary School. She loved to read, paint, collect family heirlooms, tend her houseplants, feed and watch birds, and gaze at the stars. Jean stayed current with her politics and wasn’t afraid to share her opinion. She loved her dog, Lizzie.
Those left to cherish her memory include her mother, Lib Horton; brother, Fred Horton (Nina); sisters-in-law, Brenda Horton and Terry Horton; nephew, Harold “Hal” Horton, Jr. (Laura); nieces, Dawn Young (Mark), Tabitha Horton, Katie Horton, and Sarah Horton; great-nephews, Andrew Young, Jacob Young, Eli Horton, and Holden Horton.
In addition to her father, Jean was preceded in death by two brothers, Laton “Al” Horton, Jr. and Harold Horton.
A celebration of Jean’s life will be held at a later date.
Sossoman Funeral Home and Crematory Center is assisting the family with the arrangements.
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I remember Norma Jean when she and my sister were good friends in high school. To all the family, so sorry for your loss of this sweet, lovely,lady.
A cherished friend. Prayers and love to the family.
My deepest sympathy to the Horton family over the passing of Norma Jean. I had the privilege to meet her through the school system. She was an excellent educator and a lovely person. My prayers for the family.
She will be dearly missed she was my first grade teacher when I went to mull elementary and she was always very nice to me and always spoke to me and gave me a hug.She was a very caring person and she made me the person I am today. I will be praying for your family for God to wrap you all in his loving arms and just give you the peace that you need.Love you ms.Horton melissa Phillips vance
so sorry for your loss