Nora's Legacy

Nora Joiner wouldn't let herself be compared to the women on social media who were flashing their perfect bodies and wealthy lifestyles. She had her eyes on the blessings of life that money could not buy: an abundant life overflowing with love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. She had such great wealth because she was rich toward God.

Nora was on staff at Woodmont Golf & Country Club as the housekeeper. But she was really so much more than her official title there. Nora was a humble, absolutely selfless woman who consistently went the extra mile to meet someone's need. She didn't just dust and vacuum, she voluntarily would climb to the top of a (too tall) ladder to replace light bulbs, and she would take it upon herself to go and find a ladder. She cleaned up litter, blowing along the sidewalks surrounding the clubhouse, mop and scrub walls, floors, and toilets. I've even seen Nora touch up nicks and spots on walls with a small can of paint she purchased herself at the nearby hardware store. 

Without drawing any attention to herself, she quietly "kept house" all over the entire country club area, which included the Woodmont Racquet Club, plus the additional areas of tennis courts, and the two swimming pool areas. I've seen her drive a golf cart across the busy intersection of Gaddis Road and East Cherokee Drive to clean bathrooms and pick up trash around the pool area. Shall I go on? Her work ethic was stellar and consistent -- and way beyond her job description.

Nora Joiner in her "office" where she served people through her work as a housekeeper, an encouraging friend to many, and a prayer warrior.

Anyone who knew her in our expansive neighborhood will recall her kind and gentle spirit, servant's heart, and passion for God and prayer. She transformed the storage closet where her cleaning supplies were kept into her personal prayer closet. She had Bible verses posted on the closet walls to remind herself where her strength came from and to know God will keep helping her. She daily prayed for fellow employees who had requested prayer, as well as tennis and golf members who would show up in the dining room for a quick bite of lunch.

Nora always took time with club members whether they were asking her to pray for them or whether she was inquiring about their families. She was genuinely interested. I'm sure she was unaware of how many people appreciated her and the bright light that shown through her. 

And then Nora got a doctor's report from a colonoscopy that she had cancer, so a portion of her colon and appendix had to be removed. When she shared that news with me, I asked her if I could let the "troops" know so they could be praying. She said in her humble manner, "Yes. That would be all right. Thank you."

The troops I'm referring to were the countless number of women who attended one of the year-round sessions of the Woodmont Ladies Bible Study from 2000-2009. There were a bunch of us who have gathered over the years at the studies, whether we met in the clubhouse, the ladies' locker room, private homes, or Cherokee Hall. Nora stopped by as often as she could and often was cleaning where we were meeting. She rarely could stay the whole time because she was just on a short break.

     Nora seated 2nd row, 4th from left. Woodmont Ladies Bible Study 2003

Even Nora's fellow employees knew when our study was gathering because they would ask her, "Nora, I know your study is today, will you ask the ladies to pray for me?" Honestly. They knew she loved and trusted her God. That's quite a testimony of her gentle but powerful influence. And when she showed up to join us, she'd share with great concern, who was asking for prayer. We were always glad to pray and looked forward to the way God would answer our prayers.. This went on for the nine years I was involved.

                          Nora seated second from left-- Woodmont Ladies Bible Study 2004

And that's how we started calling Nora the Missionary of Woodmont. She knew the names of so many members and watched our children grow. She scattered God's love all over the neighborhood.

            Nora seated front row far right. Woodmont Ladies Bible Study

Nora was one of my best friends. It was always fun to make her laugh. She loved to laugh. Her consistent, humble spirit was and is so rare in our present culture. When I met her over 10 years ago, it was obvious she walked very closely with God and passionately sought to please Him in everything she did. She loved people unconditionally. That's rare, too.

 
She unknowingly showed me how to be a more Christ-like friend. She was an encouraging cheerleader and a powerful prayer partner over the years. She was a tenderhearted woman who did not seek to impress others, just loved them. She was too humble to worry about what people thought of her.

Nora spent three years in and out of hospitals after the cancer invaded her body again. Finally, at home under Hospice care Nora passed into her heavenly home, February 2019. She is sorely missed most of all by her husband, their grown son and daughter, son-in-law, and little granddaughter. As her daughter Julie said, "Mom was a caretaker and a caregiver." 

That's a nurturer.

"A cheerful heart has a continual feast."  Proverbs 15:15     

💖 Polly