November 2, 1930 – December 13, 2024

Kill Devil Hills, NC – Norma Carter Hurley, age 94, of Kill Devil Hills, died peacefully at home on Friday, December 13, 2024. Norma “Nonie” was born to Etta Mae (Ellsworth) and Norman Layafette Carter on November 2, 1930. She was the ninth consecutive daughter and was named after her father “Norman.”  Her brother, Robert “Buddy,” was born 2 years later.

She attended the Visitation Academy, a Catholic boarding school in Mobile, AL. Norma graduated with the last class of the school in 1948. She was an avid basketball player. After graduation, Norma worked at her father’s office, Carter’s News Agency. She married Daniel Joseph Hurley on February 7, 1953, and shortly afterward moved to Portsmouth, VA where they started their family. Her children were raised in Churchland, a suburb of Portsmouth. She was active with the Portsmouth Service League. She, along with her late husband “Dan,” were deeply involved with the Church of the Resurrection Catholic Church.

Norma was an avid Mahjong player and teacher of the game. She moved to the Outer Banks in 1984 to be closer to her family. Her family grew with grandchildren and great-grandchildren. There were numerous friends of the grandchildren who all called her “Granny.” She truly considered each and every one of them as her own. Her home became the center of activities including the annual Fourth of July party, birthday parties, gatherings to play cards, Mahjong, and any other excuse to get the family together. Her door was open to all. She was always surrounded by friends and family. Nonie was the true matriarch of the family.

She was preceded in death by her husband, “Dan,” who died in 2014. She is survived by her sister Eleanor “Speck” O’Brien of Plano, TX. Nonie’s children include: Daniel Joseph Hurley Jr., MD, and Susan McGann of Kitty Hawk, NC; Anne Hurley Finlayson and Roderick Finlayson, MD of Gainesville, GA; Patrick James Hurley and Kendra Jacobson of Pacheco, CA, and Bridget Hurley Wilkinson and James Wilkinson, MD of Kitty Hawk, NC.

Grandchildren include: Dana Hurley and Rex Dancel, MD, and their child Nora Anne of Pittsboro, NC,  Katie Hurley Robinson and Shane Robinson and their children Adeline and Bryce of Mars Hill, NC; Andrew Ryan Hurley of Raleigh, NC; Brenna Finlayson of Braselton, GA, Robert and Jennifer Finlayson of Gainesville, GA, James Finlayson of Indianapolis, IN, Dan Finlayson of Austin, TX, David Hurley of NC, Devon Hurley of Concord, CA, Noah Jacobson Hurley of Pacheco, CA, Erin Jacobson Hurley of Pacheco, CA, Elizabeth Wilkinson Boyette and Douglas Boyette and their children Dewey and Eva James of Raleigh, NC, Spencer Wilkinson and Kathryn Michaux Wilkinson of Kill Devil Hills, NC, and Emily Wilkinson Nham and Carter Nham of Southern Shores, NC.

We extend our sincere gratitude to Hillary Braden and her loyal companion, 8, for their unwavering love and support.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Beach Food Pantry (beachfoodpantry.org or PO Box 468, Kitty Hawk, NC 27949), Waterlife Pregnancy (waterlifepcc.com or 4711 South Croatan Highway Unit 2, Nags Head, NC 27959) or a charity of your choice.

The Liturgy of the Word was held at 11 a.m. on Friday, December 20, 2024, at Holy Redeemer By-the-Sea Catholic Church, with a reception following in the fellowship hall. All were invited to join the family for a viewing beginning at 10 a.m. Following the reception, a graveside committal service was held at Southern Shores Cemetery.

Twiford Funeral Homes, Outer Banks is assisting the family with arrangements. Condolences and memories may be shared at www.TwifordFH.com.

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