Nora Jenkins Emerson was born on June 3, 1928. On July 25, 2024, she was released from her tired 96-year-old body and is now enjoying peace and contentment in heaven with her beloved husband, Herbert. Besides her husband, Nora was predeceased by her parents and her two sisters, Judy and Barbara, and her brother, Carvel. She’s survived by her two brothers: Sandy and Rodney; her four children: Blanche and her husband David Brooks, Ken, Joel and his wife Debbie, and Mark and his wife Mary-Alice. She is also survived by 10 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren.

Nora loved her Lord and her family. Before being homebound, she taught Sunday school, sang in the church choir, and served in many areas of ministry at the various churches she belonged to throughout her life. She was a member of Beech Grove Baptist Church in Gloucester at the time of her death.

Nora shared a passion for horses with a couple of her granddaughters. She loved to talk about their horses when she could no longer ride and when her own horses were gone.

Nora loved words! She wrote poetry as a teen, young wife and mother. She memorized scripture, and the names of all the U.S. Presidents in order; she could name her grandchildren and great-grandchildren in order, and she played word games in her head when she could no longer see to read. She was an avid worker of crossword puzzles until her eyesight failed. Next to the Andy Griffith Show, Jeopardy was her favorite TV show which she enjoyed watching every night with her son Ken.

Nora’s quick wit, silly puns and jokes, strong opinions, and generous heart will be remembered by those left behind.
Nora requested that in lieu of flowers, gifts in her memory be given to one of the organizations that she believed in and supported for many years: Peninsula Rescue Mission, 3700 Huntington Avenue, Newport News, Va. 23607; Lackey Free Clinic, 1620 Williamsburg Road, Yorktown, Va. 23690; or THRIVE Peninsula, 13195 Warwick Boulevard Unit 2C, Newport News, Va. 23602.

A celebration of Nora’s life, conducted by her brother, Rodney Jenkins, was held on Wednesday, July 31, at Amory Funeral Home. Visitation was at 11 a.m., the service at noon, followed by burial at Peninsula Memorial Park.