Iona Rebecca (Richards) Norville

Iona Rebecca (Richards) Norville, formerly of Saint Albans, New York, passed away peacefully on Thanksgiving Day, November 25, 2021, in Dallas, Texas after a lengthy battle with colon cancer.

Iona was born in Harlem, New York, and was the daughter of the late William and Jane Richards. She attended New York City Public Schools and graduated from Central Commercial High School. Upon graduation, Nonie, as she was affectionately called, began work at the Veterans Administration during WWII. While working at the VA, she met her soulmate, Kenneth Hugh Norville. After a courtship of three years, they married on February 12, 1950, at Saint Martin’s Episcopal Church in Harlem. To their union, a son, Lawrence Hugh, was born. Three years later, a daughter, Loretta Elaine, was born. Iona worked for many years at B Altman’s & Company, and she later took a civil service position for New York City as an Accounts Receivable Administrator until her retirement in 1986.

Nonie enjoyed many years of travel (mostly cruises) and spending time with family in Albany, New York and Texas. She was extremely resourceful, fun-loving, witty, and a wonderful partner and caregiver to her husband, Kenneth, who preceded her in death in 1996, after 46 years of marriage.

Nonie was a “friend for life” to all whose lives she touched. A devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt, great-aunt, godmother, and friend, she will be greatly missed.

Those left to cherish precious memories include her beloved children, Lawrence H. Norville (Lindalisa) of Albany, New York, and Loretta E. Robinson (Milton) of Garland, Texas; granddaughters: Latelle, Lauren, and Lindsay Norville, and Stephanie Gonzales (Stephen); great-grandsons, Stephen and Samuel; great-nephew, Darryl Bowden; godson, Johnny Jones; and a host of relatives and close friends.