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Grace Ann Norton, 80, of Wheeling, WV passed away Saturday May 20, 2023,at Wheeling Hospital.
Grace graduated from Van Wert High School and Bowling Green State University (BGSU). At BGSU, she excelled as a student and columnist for the BG News, earning a Bachelor of Arts and a Bachelor of Science degree in Education. She continued her studies at BGSU as a Graduate Assistant, earning a Master of Arts in History, English, and American Studies. She later received a Graduate Honors Scholarship allowing her to pursue a doctorate at the University of Kansas. Throughout her academic career, she earned memberships in academic honor societies for History, English, and Political Science.
Grace loved learning. She taught at all levels of education during a career of distinguished service spanning 60 years. She was an extraordinary teacher. She loved her students, dedicating herself to building close, mentoring relationships with them. Her teaching career began in Ohio at Central State College, followed by high school assignments in Detroit. She then moved to West Virginia, spending the last 45 years of her life in Wheeling. During this time, she held numerous, often concurrent, university assignments at multiple institutions. At West Virginia Northern Community College, she was an Associate Professor of Sociology for 26 years, teaching courses in Sociology, English, Criminal Justice, American History, and West Virginia History. She also served as assistant to the college president for policy and curriculum development. During this same period, she taught at West Liberty College as an Associate Professor of Sociology for 16 years. Grace believed the government should serve the needs of its people. She was guided by a strong sense of history and a belief in our country's potential.
After she retired in 2004, she worked as a consultant on community development and social justice projects. She was a data collector and planner for the Green Wheeling Initiative. She was active in West Virginia's Democratic Women and served a term as Legislative Director. In 2020, she was elected to the Ohio County Board of Education. She was known for her dedicated, tireless work on behalf of the board and students. As an example, while hospitalized with COVID and pneumonia, she attended meetings remotely from her hospital bed. Grace was proud of Wheeling. She delighted in touring family and friends to the numerous cultural sights, events, galleries and museums in Wheeling. In particular, she loved attending Wheeling Symphony Orchestra concerts and participating in other cultural activities.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Ted and Louise Pheneger. Grace is survived by her brothers, Michael Pheneger and Bruce Pheneger; nephews and nieces, Scott Pheneger, Beth Bengis, Dylan Bengis, Lauren Bengis, Dylan Norton and Tara Norton.
Decisions on Catholic services and a celebration of life are pending. Arrangements by Kepner Funeral Home 2101 Warwood Ave. Wheeling, WV (304-277-2722). Condolences may be left for the family at kepnerfuneral.com