It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Mrs. Clara Bertha Norton. Clara passed away on Wednesday, October 9, 2024, at 83. She was born on December 14, 1940, in Carrollton, Georgia, the daughter of the late Robert Lee Steele and Eva Lillian Steele.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her loving husband, Rufus L. "Shorty" Norton.

Clara worked as a custodian at First Methodist Church for many years. She was known for her warm smile and kind heart and was beloved by many in the congregation. Clara took great pride in ensuring that the church was always clean and welcoming for everyone who walked through its doors. Her dedication to caring for others left a lasting impact on her friends and family, who will miss her dearly.

Clara is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Christi and Shane Rinaldi; grandchildren Christopher Gresham II (Samantha), Jessica Channell, Jason Rinaldi, Jameson Rinaldi, and Braedon Rinaldi; great-grandchildren Alexis, Leah, Damon, Zachary, Wyatt, Charlotte, Brayden, Owen, Sadie; and niece Brenda Newman.

A funeral service will be held to honor and celebrate Clara's life on Saturday, October 12, 2024, at 3:00 PM from the Chapel of Martin & Hightower Funeral Home. Interment will follow in Antioch Baptist Church Cemetery.

The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Saturday from 1:00 PM until the hour of service.

Condolence messages can be sent to the family at www.martin-hightower.com. Martin & Hightower Heritage Chapel is in charge of the arrangements.