A celebration of the life of Anna Malissa Norton Tubbs will take place at 3:00 p.m. Thursday, June 28, 2012, at Gainesville First United Methodist Church. The family will receive friends at the church after the service. Mrs. Tubbs passed away on Tuesday June 26, 2012.
"Mimi", "TUBBS", or "Grandmother Tubbs", as she was lovingly known by her grandchildren, was born in Cleveland, GA, to her late parents Eliza and Fayette Norton. A Gainesville, GA native, graduate of Gainesville High School, and alumnae of Georgia State College, Brenau, and Stetson University.
She taught English and Literature in Dalton and Columbus, Georgia, and in Deland, Florida. Early in her teaching career, she was honored as Most Innovative Teacher in Deland. Supplied teacher in Dillard, Georgia and Clayton Elementary while taking some advanced classes at Piedmont College and also taught at Rabun County High School.
She was Director of Red Cross in Gainesville, Georgia; wrote column at the Daily Times. During the last forty+ years, was owner of Tubbs Tiny Touches/Interior Design. She loved bridge, writing, decorating, golf, swimming, reading, and Christmas.
Her volunteer services covered a wide spectrum of interests to include Meals on Wheels, Hospice, Board of Girl Scout Council, Brenau Council, Board of United Methodist Church, Challenge Child, Gainesville Symphony, Junior Service League, Twentieth Century Study Club, Delta Delta Delta Sorority, and long time Sunday School Teaching. Instrumental in the Volunteer Programs of the N.E. Georgia Hospital with Ocie Pope, Eva McConnell, and Ann Garrard and Founder of Gainesville Swim Team. One of her fondest memories was when she, her Mother Eliza, and daughter Kristy were honored for three generations of Girl Scouting.
Malissa was preceded in death by husbands George W. Crenshaw and Ike W. Tubbs; parents, Mr. and Mrs. W.L. Norton, Sr.
She is survived by one daughter and son- in- law: Kristy and Billy Nix, two sons and daughters- in- law: Bill and Martha Ann Crenshaw and Ken and Monica Crenshaw, all of Gainesville, GA. Grandchildren: Chad and Chase Crenshaw, Gainesville; Bryan Nix, Marietta, GA; Ken Nix and wife Kelly of Woodstock; McKenzie Crenshaw; Jackson Crenshaw, Somer and Jake Graham all of Gainesville. Twin great granddaughters Paige and Parker Nix, Rome; great grandsons, Davis and Harrison Crenshaw of Dacula. Brothers and sisters-in-law: Judge W.L. and Adelaide Norton; Frank and Betty Norton, all of Gainesville; Sisters-in-law Evelyn Crenshaw Wright of Black Mountain, NC and Jane Crenshaw of Tallahassee, FL, and numerous younger "Norton" family members she adored!
Malissa's family would especially like to thank her several cherished friends for their love and support, several of which have loved her since Red Elephant cheerleading days. And to the Wednesday Bridgers and Monday morning bridge buddies, we are grateful for your help in sustaining her passion. To quote one of her bridge partners: "I think of all of the lessons she taught us in living life to the fullest...because Malissa certainly did."
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Brenau, Challenge Child, The First United Methodist Church or The First Baptist Church.
Those wishing to send online condolences may do so at www.littledavenport.com
Little & Davenport Funeral Home, 355 Dawsonville Highway, S.W., Gainesville, Ga. 30501 is in charge of arrangements.