GRACE NORTON

WHEELING — Ohio County Board of Education member Grace Norton died Saturday, according to Ohio County Schools. She was 80 years old.

Norton, who was elected to the Ohio County Board of Education in 2020, had been battling health issues for the last several months.

Superintendent Kim Miller said Sunday that Norton was a well respected educator and board member.

“We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Ohio County Board of Education member Grace Norton,” Miller said. “She was a dedicated board member committed to providing the best education possible for our students.”

Norton was a retired educator with 40 years of experience. In that time, she taught at both West Liberty University and West Virginia Northern Community College. She taught at the middle and high school levels. She also worked in adult education.

Norton served as a counselor and a planning coordinator. She was also once an assistant to a college president.

“Grace was a strong person who was determined to fulfill her duties as a board member while dealing with difficult health issues,” Miller said.

“She believed in education, and she was a lifelong learner. It was a pleasure to have worked with Ms. Norton. Our deepest sympathies go out to her family and friends.”

In January 2021, Norton was phoning into school board meetings from WVU Medicine Wheeling Hospital, first battling COVID-19 and bilateral pneumonia, and then with related symptoms.

“People elected me to do a job,” she said at the time, “and if I can find a way I will do it.”

Miller added she has been in contact with the school’s legal counsel regarding the steps that need to be taken to fill Norton’s vacant board seat.

Board member Pete Chacalos on Sunday described Norton as a “tireless worker” who “looked into everything.”

“I never knew her before she was elected to the board, but the time I did know her here, she is one of the most tireless workers I’ve ever seen,” Chacalos said.

“She does everything she can for the betterment of Ohio County Schools. She worked extremely hard. … I’m very sorry to learn of her passing.”

Chacalos said he did not yet know the exact procedure for filling a vacant board seat, but the person appointed would need to be from Norton’s district, which was District 1.

Board member seats are non-partisan.

Board member Molly Aderholt also was saddened to learn of Norton’s passing.

“Grace cared about our schools and sought to serve them well,” Aderholt said. “I enjoyed serving alongside her. Her friends and family are in my prayers.”

Ohio County Board of Education President Andy Garber described Norton as a person who worked hard to provide the necessary resources for the school system.

“I had the pleasure of working with Grace as a board of education member during the last year. What struck me most was her keen insights into people and children,” Garber said. “She will be missed.”