Tom and Ruth Clark Norris

Thomas Avery Norris was born December 3, 1904 in Watauga County, NC to John Taylor Norris and Louisa Jane Nelson. He was one of three children to survive.  The exact number of children born to this couple is not clear but I know of one other child, Eller Mae, who died, either at birth or at a very young age. His brother was Bynum L. Norris (m. Virgie Mae Eller) and his sister was Edna Norris (m. George Foxx.)  Louisa Jane Norris, Tom's mother, died in 1918. After her death, Edna took on the responsiblity of caring for the family.  Several years later John moved his family to Lenoir, Caldwell County, NC.  Later he remarried (Mary Harvey) and raised another family of four daughters, Thelma, Catherine, Christine and Loretta.  John Taylor Norris died Mar. 8, 1952 in Mount Holly, NC..

This is the house in Boone, NC where Tom Norris lived when he was a small boy.  John Taylor Norris built this house for his family. Photo was taken probably in the early 60's

Tom met Ruth Clark while visiting his brother, Bynum, who lived near the Clarks on Underdown Avenue in Lenoir.  They eloped to York, SC on Sept. 5, 1932.  According to their marriage license Ruth indicated she was 19. She was only 14 years old.

Emily Ruth Clark was born April 6, 1918 in Caldwell County, NC to William Robert Clark and Susie Victoria Martin.  She was one of five children to survive. This couple had a total of eleven children. Ruth's siblings were James Martin Clark (m. Willie Elizabeth Church (living), Martha Mae Clark (m. James Melton), Margaret Louise Clark (living)(m. Clinton Church (living), and Edward Lee Clark (m. Ruth Osborne.)

Tom and Ruth had four children.  Two daughters, Betty June and Janie Sue and two sons, Jerry Thomas and William Taylor.  All were born in Lenoir, Caldwell County, NC.  Ruth and Tom lived in Lenoir for several years after they married. Work in the Navy Yard in Portsmouth drew them to the Tidewater area..

Ruth and Tom standing in front of new Alexander Park home about 1942 or 1943

In late 1942 or early 1943, Tom obtained employment with the Naval Shipyard in Portsmouth, VA.  After working there a few months he moved his family to the area. For a few months they lived in the Loxley Place area of Portsmouth.  When the new war housing developement, Alexander Park, was completed, they moved there. They lived in a house on Norman Street for about three years at which time he was laid off.  Tom and Ruth then moved their family back to Lenoir.

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