November 1, 95, Mount Olive
Naomi Worrell Grantham passed away Tuesday, November 1, 2016 at her home. Born in Wayne County on September 4, 1921 she was the daughter of the late John Morgan Worrell and Blanche Smith Worrell. She was married to the late Carl Norwood Grantham.
A lifelong resident of Wayne County, she and her husband lived and raised their children in the Grantham community. A farmer’s wife, Naomi was no stranger to hard work, a trait she instilled in her children and grandchildren. She could often be found alongside her husband, Carl working the farm until his death. Although she never finished high school, she was one smart lady and was blessed with a sharp mind. One of her greatest passions was working in her yard, tending to her flowers and picking up pine cones. She will be remembered for her excellent cooking skills, always making the best fried chicken, collard greens, and pecan pies. She was most proud of being “Nena” to her grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and other members of the community. Naomi’s greatest love was her family, she was very proud of her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren; they were the light of her life.
A celebration of Naomi’s life will be held Saturday, November 5, 2016 at 2:00 pm at Seymour Funeral Home with Rev. Frank Purvis officiating. A private burial will take place at Wayne Memorial Park.
Naomi is survived by three daughters and sons-in-laws, Gail Grantham (David), Judy Williams (Linwood), and Tara Britt (Claro Grantham) all of Grantham; eight grandchildren, Greg Grantham (Wendy) of Jacksonville, Rick Grantham (Rene), Crystal Whitfield (Graham) both of Grantham, Chris Williams (Dee) of Fuquay-Varina, Carla Williams of Wilson, Shayne Williams (Dawn), Chad Britt (Meredith), and Heather Toler (Kevin) all of Grantham; fourteen great-grandchildren, Hali Grantham, Matthew Grantham, Zach Grantham, Garrad Whitfield, Caleb Whitfield, Hayden Williams, Brady Williams, Kevin Williams, Ashley Williams, Addison Williams, Taylor Britt, John Britt, Christian Toler, and Nicholas Toler; one sister, Dixie Worrell Barwick; and several nieces and nephews.
In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by her son, Norwood Shelton Grantham; a great-grandson, Zachary Duane Williams; brothers, Johnie, Marvin, Victor, Bruce, Paul, Jimmy, Willie and Wiley Worrell; sisters, Pauline W. Kearney, Inez W. Ginn and Geraldine W. Thomas.
The family will receive friends Friday evening from 7:00 – 9:00 pm and following the service on Saturday at Seymour Funeral Home and at other times at the home.
Naomi was very blessed to be able to spend her final days at her home. She peacefully went home to be with her Lord and Savior with her girls by her side. The family would like to extend their thanks and gratitude to the Hospice Nurses at 3HC, Life Care Hospital in Rocky Mount, and her best friend, Frank Purvis for the love and care you provided in Naomi’s final days.
Flowers are welcome or memorial contributions may be directed to the Carlisle Purvis Memorial Scholarship Fund at Eureka Christian Church, 2036 Dobbersville Road, Mount Olive, NC 28365.