Mrs. Mary Alice Norman-Dial, 85, of Covington, died Dec. 31. The daughter of the late Albert B. and Ida Lenora Lewis Mask, she was born in Newton County in 1923. A lifelong resident of Newton County, Mrs. Norman was a very active member of Stewart Baptist Church and an American Red Cross volunteer. She had a lifetime love of music coming from a large family of five brothers and five sister who were well known for their love of music. Mrs. Norman was involved in the music ministry in nursing homes in and around the area and at Merryvale Assisted Living during her years there. She was a loving mother, grandmother and great-grandmother and was preceded in death by her first husband Mr. Lubie Carroll Norman in 1988 and her second husband Mr. W. W. Dial in 1994. Mrs. Norman loved traveling to the mountains, working with her flowers and fishing.

            Surviving are daughter and son-in-law Rhonda and Sammy Ozburn of Covington; son and daughter-in-law Steve and Rita Norman of Newborn; brothers and sisters Sam and Betty Mask of Covington, Clifton and Evelyn Mask of Covington, Sue and Allen Hamby of Morrow; eight grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews.

            Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Jan. 3 at Stewart Baptist Church with the Rev. Jerry Jones officiating. Interment will follow at the church cemetery. Friends may sign the on-line guest book at www.wheelerfuneralhome.com. The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Friday, Jan. 2, at the funeral home.

The Covington News  Jan. 4, 2009