It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Edith Vivienna Norton, born on November 1, 1956, in Hoopa, to Byron Sr and Eileen Grant. Edith passed away on February 4, 2025, leaving a legacy of love, strength, and dedication that will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.

Edith was a remarkable woman who truly embodied the best qualities of both of her parents, blending kindness, humor and an unwavering work ethic. She was a loving mother to her children, Leilani, Samuel and Louisa, whom she shared with Arthur “Artie” Jones. Though never married, Edith and Artie remained friends throughout their lives. In 1989, Edith met the love of her life, Kenneth “Kenny” Norton. Together, since 1989 they married and created a loving family. Edith welcomed Kenny’s sons, Dana and Damien Norton, as her own. Their family was completed with the birth of their cherished son, Cheyenne.

In March of 2023, Edith suffered an indescribable loss with the passing of her beloved daughter, Leilani. The heartbreak was overwhelming, but Edith, with her unshakable strength, held her family together during the darkest of times. Though she was broken, her love and devotion to her family never wavered, and she became the rock they leaned on as they navigated through their grief. Edith’s ability to remain strong and loving in the face of such a devastating loss was a testament to her character and her deep, unwavering love for her children.

Edith’s love extended beyond her immediate family. She was deeply devoted to her siblings—Vicki Cole, Maggie Pearson, Leslie Grant and her late brother Byron Jr., whose passing was a heartbreak she carried with her throughout her life. Edith was also blessed with a close bond with her sister-in-law, Lisa Grant.

A true community pillar, Edie was the heart of her family, fiercely and deeply loving all those around her. Her humor, which was passed down to her children, brought joy to all who encountered her. She was an extraordinary worker, dedicating much of her life to her job as the office manager for the Hoopa Valley Plant Management, where her presence and work were greatly depended upon. Edith’s commitment to her family and community was unmatched, and she helped in any way she could, always offering support and encouragement to those in need.

Edith was also passionately involved in the hydroplane races, a tradition that ran deep in her family. Her father, Byron, and her late brother, Byron Jr., both participated in the races, and later, her nephew Buck continued the legacy. Edith was instrumental in planning the races and supporting the racers, offering her time and dedication to ensure the success of the events. Her love for the sport and the community it brought together was unwavering, and her contributions to the Hydroplane Races will always be remembered as a testament to her commitment to her family and Hoopa Valley.

In her youth, Edith was a bright and active student, making a name for herself in high school as an honor roll student, involved in student council, student court as head Bailiff, cheerleading, pep club, and homecoming court. Her peers voted her “Most Talented,” a recognition that reflected her vibrant personality and remarkable abilities.

In her later years, Edith became the primary caregiver to her father, Byron, providing him with grace, patience and an abundance of humor as she took on the responsibilities that came with his medical complications. Her dedication was a testament to her strength and love for those she cared for.

Edith will be deeply missed by all who knew her. She leaves behind her loving children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren whose lives were touched by her incredible spirit.

She is survived by her husband Kenneth “Kenny” Norton; mother-in-law Marcellene Norton; children Samuel and Louisa Jones (Elliott), and Cheyenne Sr (Kinsa), Dana (Adrianna) and Damien Norton; siblings Vicki Cole, Maggie Pearson (Ted), Leslie Grant, Lisa Grant and Julianne Farum (Terry); grandchildren Sloan (Grant), Minnie, Isabelle (Ryan), Cleo, Julia, Jed, Jake, Kee-shan, Sammy (Willow Clare), Louisa, Brandon (Stephenie), Cheyenne Jr.; great-grandchildren Aizen, Aurora, Sammy III, SaigeLynn, Andrew and Serena numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends, too many to list but each held a special place in her heart.

She is preceded by her daughter Leilani; father Byron “Bones” Grant Sr.; mother Eileen Grant; brother Byron “Newt” Grant Jr.

Pallbearers:

Samuel Jones, Dana, Damien, Cheyenne, and Sherman Norton, Sammy Jones, Ranold Pearson, Marion Jr. “Buck” and Romero McCovey, Tek-Wes McCovey.

Honorary Pallbearers:

Ted Pearson, Mike Ferris, Al Gray Jr., Bud Gray, Walter Gray, Lincoln Jackson, Hank Masten, Loren, Jack, and Jack IV Norton, Arthur Sr. and Jesus Jones, Thomas Masten Sr., Thomas Masten Jr., Ed Masten, Elrod Masten, Quincey Masten, Boyd Ferris, Marion McCovey Sr., Bob Campbell, Harold Jr. and Sam Campbell, Tyler Mitchell, Adam Robertson, Ryan Moon, LeRoy Pearson, Shannon Jones, Cheyenne Jr., Barbara Grant, Joseph and Jack Joe Marshall, Jake and Sagep Blake, Ryan Jackson, Lucas Garcia, Jeff Hodge Sr., Robert Kane Sr.

Edith’s legacy of love, generosity, and laughter will live on in the lives of her family and friends. Her unwavering spirit will forever remain in our hearts. Edith will be making her final journey home to Hoopa on Monday, February 10. A wake will be held in her honor at The Neighborhood Facilities starting at 6 p.m. Funeral services will take place the following day, Tuesday, February 11, at 11 a.m., with burial at Hoopa Cemetery next to her beloved father, Bones. A reception will follow at the Hoopa Firehall.

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The obituary above was submitted on behalf of Edith Norton’s loved ones. The Lost Coast Outpost runs obituaries of Humboldt County residents at no charge. See guidelines here. Email news@lostcoastoutpost.com.