Mary Elizabeth Norris

Mary Elizabeth Norris passed away on 1-1-2025 at her home in DeSoto, Texas. She was 96 years old. Mary was born in Ennis Texas to Bertha and Monta Green. She lived with her grandparents, MaMaw and PaPaw Herrin, in Waxahachie due to the divorce of her parents. L.A. Herrin was a Baptist minister who preached at all the surrounding small towns, where most of the time, Mary was standing with her arms around one of his legs as he preached. Mary joined her Mother in Dallas following the death of her grandparents and later moved to Oak Cliff and attended schools on Marsalis and Woodin.

During WWII, they lived in a two story 4 plex apartment and made lifelong friends there. Mary’s mother, Bertha, would play the piano and they would all sing and even make records. Mary’s dad, Monta, served in the US Navy as a Seabee. He owned Green’s Furniture Store in Waxahachie, and his parents managed it while he was overseas.

In 1952, she met Alvis Norris and they married on July 4th. They had two children, Al and Cheryl, and eventually 3 granddaughters.

In 1987, Alvis passed away and in 1990, Mary moved to Cedar Green Living Center to be closer to her daughter and family. She loved working in their craft room making ceramics with her friends. In 1995 she joined the Silver Serenaders Choir and enjoyed visiting churches and performing for schools at the holidays. She was a member of BearCreek Baptist Church and truly loved the Lord.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Alvis Lee Norris, Sr. of 35 years and her son, Alvis Lee Norris Jr. She is survived by her daughter, Cheryl, and son-in-law David (Bo) Slagle. Granddaughters, Sara Collins and husband Jason of Maypearl, Texas; Jenni Bates and husband Jeremy of Waxahachie, Texas; and Natalie Slagle of Waxahachie, Texas. Her great-grandchildren, whom she all adored: Damon, Faith, Jaden, David, Austin, Garrett, and Alexis.

We would like to thank the amazing care she received from Vitas Hospice. Meredith, Shaniqua, Carol, Denise, Carey, Teneisha, and Laqeisha and all the others were all special to Mom. Also, for Bo and my girls and their love, and assistance in her care, whom she all loved dearly.