Norma M. Carrier
“You have made known to me the way of life, granting me the joy of your presence and the pleasure of living with you forever.” Psalm 16:11
KINGSPORT — Finally Home, Norma M. Carrier, 91, celebrated a glorious union with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on Saturday, December 13, 2014, after a brief illness, at her residence in Kingsport.
Norma was born in Carter County, Tenn., on November 12, 1923, to the late Elbert C. and Golda Hardin Grindstaff. She lived most of her life in Carter County, where she grew up, attended Unaka High School, and married and raised her family. She moved to Kingsport, Tenn., in 2010.
Norma attended Stoney Creek Baptist Church during her younger years. She became a member of Watauga Valley Freewill Baptist Church after her marriage in 1940. She served her church well by singing in the choir and teaching Sunday School classes and home Bible studies. She was an exceptional student of the Bible and a gifted teacher of the Word of God.
She was employed at Raytheon, Bristol, for several years. She was a talented seamstress and was also an excellent cook.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of 72 years, Gray M. Carrier, on September 28, 2012; a daughter, Gwen Widmyer; a brother, Sherman A. Grindstaff; a sister, Rena Vaught; three infant sisters; and a son-in-law, Bill Hammond.
Survivors include one daughter, Janice Hammond; two grandsons, Brad Hammond and wife, Gloria, and Bart Hammond and wife, Julianne; two granddaughters, Amber Garland and husband, James, and Ginger Shifflett and husband, Paul; two sisters, Wanda Peters and Mattie Payne and husband, Nat; one brother, Anthony Grindstaff and wife, Betty; 10 great-grandchildren; and a son-in-law, Warren Widmyer. Several nieces and nephews also survive.
A service to honor the life of Norma M. Carrier will be conducted at noon on Wednesday, December 17, in the Chapel of Peace of Tetrick Funeral Home, Elizabethton, with Reverend Bill Greer and Reverend Calvin Jett officiating. Music will be under the direction of Joy Dean Babb, Diana Blevins, Cathy Timbs and Leatha Grindstaff, organist. The family will receive friends in the chapel from 11 a.m. until noon Wednesday, prior to the funeral service. The graveside service and interment will follow the funeral service in the Wilson Cemetery. Active pallbearers will be Sherrill Carrier, Raymond Williams, Jerry “Skip” Campbell, Keith Williams, Mac Collins and Larry Grindstaff. Honorary pallbearers will be Paul Pierce, Nat Payne, Earl Bishop, Sherrell Perry, John Hardin, Wayne Dean, Roger Babb, Rick Collins, Leonard Lewis, Larry Peters, Jimmy Peters, Keith Garland, Frank Singleton and Donnie Richardson. The family would like to extend a special thank-you to the staff of Amedisys Hospice and to Beth, Donna and Tonya for their care to Norma during her time of need. Special thanks to Frances and Gerald Pigg for every act of kindness shown us. We also thank the many dear ones for their prayers. We are, most of all, grateful to God for His provision of a Savior and the promise of eternal life to all who accept His gift. Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.tetrickfuneralhome.com and signing the guest book.
Tetrick Funeral Home, Elizabethton, is serving the Carrier family. Office: (423) 542-2232. Obituary Line: (423) 543-4917.