Mary Louise Elliott Norton, 79, of Columbia, passed away peacefully, surrounded by her caring and loving family, Friday, August 9, 2013. Born April 13, 1934 in Marion County, SC, she was the daughter of the late Gary Edward Elliott and Ruby Hooks Elliott. A small business owner and long-time employee of Goodwill, Mrs. Norton remained active in her community through her membership at St. James United Methodist Church, and through her volunteer work with the Tucker Center, the American Legion, the M.O.C., and through her service as Chaplain with the Veterans of Foreign Wars.

Survivors include her daughter, Paula N. Smoak (Michael); granddaughter, Jessica Leigh Taylor; brother, Brady Elliott; and nephew, Gary Elliott. In addition to her parents, Mrs. Norton was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Mr. Alexander Norton.

A funeral service for Mrs. Norton will be held 11 o'clock, Tuesday, August 13, 2013 at Shives Funeral Home, 5202 Colonial Dr., Columbia, with burial following in Crescent Hill Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends from 5 until 7 o'clock, Monday evening at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation, 230 East Ohio St., Ste. 304, Chicago, IL, 60611.