GRAFTON — Norma Belanga McCartney, 92, died Saturday, Jan. 16, 2021, at her home surrounded by family after a brief battle with cancer.
Norma was born May, 12, 1928, in Washington County, North Carolina, to Leola Voliva and Paul Bryan Belanga.
Norma grew up on a farm near Cresswell, North Carolina, during the heart of the depression. She drove a school bus the last two years of high school because all the young men were fighting in World War II. Carrying on her farm learnings, she gardened and canned much of her life and even made jelly this past summer. She was an excellent seamstress, making most of her daughters’ clothes and many family heirlooms.
She attended ECTC (ECU) after the war, married and had a daughter. They moved to Newport News in 1951 to work in the Shipyard, where she met and married Samuel McCartney. After the kids were in school, she substitute taught at Nelson Elementary and Denbigh High. She taught defensive driving at Fort Eustis for over 20 years until retirement. She then volunteered as a docent at Patrick Henry Airport, ending in 2020 after 25-plus years.
Norma said that growing up she had hoped to travel to New York City during her lifetime. She made it there for her honeymoon and made it to four continents, numerous countries and sailed on over 30 cruises.
She was a member of Warwick Memorial UMC for almost 60 years. She led the Senior Breakfast club and their many programs and travels for 17 years, was the church wedding director for 20 years and was deeply involved in the crafting group for the annual craft and cookie sale.
She is survived by two daughters, Judy Steiner of Murfreesboro, North Carolina, and Carol Andrews of Como, North Carolina; son, Bryan McCartney, and his wife, Karen, of Oxford, Mississippi; grandchildren, Kimberly (David) Schlienz, Matthew (Amie) McKeel, Austin (Jessica) Steiner, Ashely (Corey) Barth, Samuel Andrews, Jasmine Andrews, Conner McCartney and Bryson Andrews; 15 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild; one sister-in-law; and several special nieces and nephews.
Norma was preceded in death by Samuel McCartney, her husband of 50 years; parents; two sisters and a brother; son-in-law, Max Andrews; and grandson, Richard McJoe Andrews.
A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m., Thursday, Jan. 21, at Amory Funeral Home Chapel.
Memorial donations may be made to the Macular Degeneration Society, the American Cancer Society or the charity of your choice.
The family would like to thank her many friends and exceptional neighbors who helped her these many years, and the great personnel of Amedisys Hospice.
