Elizabeth “Ann” Norcross, 79, of Bronte, TX formerly of Gainesville, TX passed away on November 7th, 2024, at her residence with her family by her side. There will be a gathering of family and friends for a time of fellowship preceding the graveside service at First Baptist Church Gainesville where Ann was a member for many years. This gathering will be from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm on Saturday, November 16th. Graveside service will follow at 2:00 pm at the Fairview Cemetery in Gainesville with Bro. Shane Norton officiating. There will be no formal visitation.
Ann was born on October 25th, 1945, to William and Elizabeth Norcross in Denton, TX. After obtaining her master’s degree in psychology from the University of North Texas, Ann taught Psychology for North Central Texas College (N.C.T.C) in Gainesville for many years. Prior to her teaching, and some during her teaching, Ann was “Lollipop” the clown. A delightful clown with a sweet voice that all children were drawn to. She also clowned for the hospital in Gainesville and other events when asked.
Ann is known by all who met and loved her as the sweetest, most joyful, and most authentic Christian woman they had ever met. She never met a stranger and never failed to share the love of Christ with others. The light of Christ showed in her actions, acceptance of others just as they are, and her thoughtfulness. She was always cognizant of the needs of those around her and brought gifts, hugs, and sweet warmth in her tight hugs and kind words. She was also quick-witted and funny, bringing laughter and fun to those around her. Even during her last days on earth when she lacked strength and energy, her funny, lighthearted nature came out in one-liners to those of us caring for her. What a great testimony to our Creator she was! If ever anyone hears the words “well done, good and faithful servant”, it will be our sweet Ann.
Ann is survived by her sons Brian Jones, and wife Carol, Billy Jones, and wife Val, and Brad Jones and wife Michelle, grandchildren Leah and Brad Cooper, Ryan and Whitney Jones, Emily Jones, Joseph Jones, Lillie Jones, and great grandchildren Maggie and Max Cooper. She leaves behind a special relationship with her brother Bill Norcross and wife Glenda. She was preceded in death by her parents William and Elizabeth Norcross. She made many special friends at N.C.T.C, First Baptist Church Gainesville, and First Baptist Church Bronte. She served in her professional work, and at both churches with a smile on her face and pure love in her heart. To know Ann is to love her.
Sending all our love and deepest sympathies. Ann was the sweetest soul I’d ever met
Having the blessed opportunity to be brought into the clowning world by Ann, I will always treasure that time with her. She exuded love, kindness and mercy to everyone she met. I found a kindred spirit being in her classes learning so much. And above all talking about our Jesus’s great love for us. Precious lady, rest well thy good and faithful servant.
What a true blessing I received to have known our sweet Ann. Truly a woman of Christ, her sweet voice and a hug from her were always more than enough to put a smile on my face. Just being around her made you want to be a better person. She was something special to me that came into my life about the time I lost my own mother and I pray she knew the place she held in my heart. Missing you, my friend. ❤️
Love, hugs and prayers to her family as they celebrate Ann’s life and her much anticipated meeting with our Lord and Savior!
Ms. Norcross was an amazing lady. I had the pleasure of taking classes at NCTC with her and 20+ years later, I still remember her and all “Lollipop” taught us. She was such a sweet and kind hearted person. My prayers to her family.
To know her, was to love her. She brightened my learning experience while at NCTC. Absolutely a blessing.
Ann (Darlin) was a remarkable and precious lady. She will be missed.
Ann had an office across from mine at NCTC. She was a great college friend. When I was occasionally “down,” she always boosted my spirits. One of her student exercises was to have her students walk the halls blind-folded. I used to tease her about that. Ron Melugin
Prior to being hired by the college, she interrupted a faculty meeting as “Lollipop.”
Ann shared her happiness with everyone. I was blessed to know her.
She was such a sweet & loving lady. I’ve known her for at least 35yrs. She will be greatly missed.
Have wonderful memories of Ann and Lollipop. She ‘s truly blest by our Heavenly Father.
What a beautiful lady inside and out. You couldn’t help but smile when you were in her presence. I’m so blessed to have met her.
Prayers to the family for peace and comfort.
Ann was a very sweet lady! She will be missed by so many…
Ann or “Lollipop” was such a sweet lady & will be missed by many. She was part of our family’s birthday celebrations for a very long time.😢 Rest in Heaven🙏🏼 We love you “Lollipop”❤️
Oh my fellow clown friend, the world is worse off without you in it. Thank you for blessing me at a time I didn’t think I could trust anyone. Thank you for blessing me for life. I love you.