Grace Norris Litzenberg

O Lord, give her an inquiring and discerning heart, the courage to will and to persevere, a spirit to know and to love you and the gift of joy and wonder in all your works.

—The Book of Common Prayer

This baptismal prayer was completed in the life of Grace Norris Litzenberg who, in her ninety-ninth year, died at home on Saturday, May 10, 2025.

Grace’s life began on January 20, 1926. She was the only child of George Rainsford and Elizabeth Rucker Norris of Columbia, South Carolina. The family moved to Danville, Virginia when Grace was six. To all who knew her, her name was such a fitting description of her life.

Grace lived in Danville until 1957, apart from her time spent at Fairmont Seminary (junior college) in Ormond Beach, Florida. She enjoyed happy times with family and formed friendships which lasted a lifetime. There were challenging times too. Her mother died in 1943 and the war years were difficult. She worked as a volunteer for the American Red Cross, rolling bandages for the troops, and in Christian Education at First Presbyterian Church, Danville, where she was a member.

In 1951 E. William Litzenberg (Bill) came to town from Volant, Pennsylvania to serve as Minister of Music/organist at the church. They were married on October 13, 1957.

The next twenty-five years were spent in Miami, Florida, where their two daughters were born. Bill died suddenly in 1974. Grace moved back to Danville in 1981, where she lived for the remainder of her life.

Wherever she lived, Grace supported her community. She was a Girl Scout leader in Miami, and in Danville she was a member of the Gabriella Garden Club; Shakespeare Study Club, serving as President from 1990-1992; Friends of the Library; Danville Concert Association; the Junior Wednesday Club, for which she also served as an advisor; and the Wednesday Club. She was a past board member of the Langhorne House and member with the longest tenure of the Dorothea Henry Chapter, National Society Daughters of the American Revolution, with more than 78 years.

Beginning in her teenage years, the family home in Montreat, North Carolina was a place of inspiration and joyful fellowship. There were wonderful worship services, cookouts, picnics by the stream, crackling fires and visits from family and friends.

Grace had a steadfast faith and solid values, but an open heart. She took a genuine interest in all people and in such a range of topics. With a perspective on life stretching back to the 1930s she was wise and grateful despite the hardships she experienced. She had a keen interest in the news of Danville and the world and always enjoyed reading magazines and appreciated architecture, creating a beautiful home wherever she lived.

In addition to her daughters, Elizabeth Litzenberg Clement (Cameron) of Bluefield, Virginia; and Charlotte Louise Litzenberg Garrett (Jack), of Danville, Grace is survived by three grandchildren, William Norris Clement (Desireé) of Roanoke, Virginia; Caroline Macon Clement (Jacob Rice) of Blacksburg, Virginia and George Rucker Clement of Richmond, Virginia; and three step-grandchildren, Jack, Carol-Anne and Sarah Garrett. Content, generous and kind to all of God’s creatures, she gave a home to many stray or abandoned dogs, including the family’s beloved dog, Emily.

Grace was predeceased by her husband and parents; her Aunt, Louise Rucker Moore (William Webster); her sisters-in-law Charlotte, Edna, Hazel, Bernice, Turza and Doris; and brothers-in-law Bob, Tommy and Jerry.

The Litzenberg family has entrusted arrangements to Townes Funeral Home and Crematory, Danville, and Shives Funeral Home, Columbia. Grace’s life, devotion to her church and love of music will be honored during the worship service at First Presbyterian Church, Danville on Sunday, June 1, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. A graveside service will follow on June 2, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. in the First Presbyterian Church Churchyard, Columbia. Mr. Jackson Weller, Minister of Discipleship, First Presbyterian Church, Danville, will lead both services.