Norris Jane Hall

Leicester – Norris Jane Gwinn Hall, 80, passed away on Wednesday, January 22, 2025, at the CarePartners Solace Center after a long illness.

  A native of Spring Dale, West Virginia, she and her husband, Cecil, moved to Asheville after college. They made their home in the mountains of Western North Carolina exploring the natural beauty of the outdoors and learning about the region’s rich culture. Norris retired from teaching elementary school after 37 years. She made lasting friends during her time at West Buncombe and Valley Springs. She was active with Odyssey of the Mind (OM), a student competition focused on creative problem solving. Her 2002 team of Balsa Wood Builders competed at the World OM Competition. Norris loved teaching and enjoyed following her students long after they left her classroom. 

 Travel, history and art were passions. Norris was always up for an adventure. She visited all fifty states and several countries. Her travel itineraries combined natural wonders, historical sites, art museums, along with some unique thrill adventures like bob-sledding or flying in gliders. Her enthusiasm for life’s experiences is part of her lasting legacy. 

 Norris’ dedication to family and friends meant showing up for her grandchildren’s activities from recitals to ball games. She was active in helping with her high-school reunions and community gatherings. She would frequently have a movie camera in her hand and a camera around her neck in order to capture and hold everyone’s memories close. 

 She was a daughter of the late John Augustus Gwinn and Eva Laura Hanshew Gwinn, and was also preceded in death by her brother, Monte Dean Gwinn, and sister, Rose Ann Gwinn.

  Surviving are her husband, Cecil Everett Hall; children: Dianne Frisbee (Jeffrey), and Laura Douglas (Thomas); grandchildren: Peyton, Duncan, and Andrew Douglas; siblings: Gary Gwinn (Carol), and Deborah Neely (Gary), and many nieces and nephews.

 A gathering of friends will take place on February 1st 2025 from 2 PM – 4 PM at Anders-Rice Funeral Home.

 Memorial donations may be made to: WNC Bridge Foundation

 Anders-Rice Funeral Home is honored to serve the Hall family.