They say Heaven is paved with streets of gold, so perhaps it was only fitting that a Jewell would eventually make her way there.

Jewell, derived from the Old French word “jouel,” meaning “precious gem,” was more than simply her name—it was a reflection of who she was. Precious, rare, treasured, and beautiful in ways that went far beyond what could be seen. To those who knew and loved her, Jewell was a source of warmth, strength, and love—a treasured presence whose value could never be measured.

Shortly after sunset on October 5, 2026, Jewell peacefully made her way home to Heaven. In the days before her passing, she was surrounded by so many dear friends and family whom she loved and adored. She leaves behind a lifetime of memories and a legacy of love that will continue on for generations.

Debra Jewell Hawley Norris’ story began on October 6, 1955, when she was born in Erwin, NC, to her beloved parents, Paul and Shirley Jean Hawley, who have been waiting patiently for her in Heaven. She grew up as the oldest of two girls, embracing her role as a big sister to Cathy, whom she loved so dearly. Cathy jokes that Jewell was the “good child,” but a sneaky teenager, often sneaking out to meet her high school sweetheart, Bill.

At the age of 15, Jewell saw a boy walking down the hall at Smithfield-Selma High School. A mutual friend made a call or two, and before long, Jewell and Bill were on their first date. Bill said that he knew from that first date that she was his forever woman. Fifty-four years later, that teenage love had grown into a lifetime of love, laughter, and memories. Together, Jewell and Bill built not only a marriage, but a family—a family that became the greatest treasure of Jewell’s life. They joyfully brought three children into the world—Michael, Valerie, and Chris—eventually adding Daniel and Ashley as members of the family. Their family continued to grow with the births of her grandchildren, Summer and Chance, and later added Summer’s husband, Lyle, as a cherished member of the family. Jewell embraced her titles of wife, mother, and Nana—the roles she cherished most. She loved her whole family—her husband, children, grandchildren, sister, countless nieces, nephews, cousins, and in-laws. Jewell had a special place in her heart for her furry friend, Baby, who brought her countless moments of love and companionship. And we know she was greeted at the gates of Heaven by another beloved furry friend, Patches, making her journey home a little sweeter. Her family was her heart, and there was perhaps no greater joy for Jewell than watching the people she loved most grow and create lives of their own.

Jewell was a lover of so many things. She loved a morning coffee with cream and sugar. She loved decorating for every season and every holiday. She loved little trinkets she could place around the house. She loved a good drive around town. She loved the little things, and she was proof that the greatest joys could be tucked into the smallest things.

Above all, Jewell knew and loved the Lord. Throughout her childhood, her family sat down and read a chapter of the Bible every night. Her faith was strong, and she knew that the Lord had prepared a place for her. We find great comfort and peace knowing that she has been welcomed into Heaven, where she undoubtedly has already started decorating for fall.

They say a jewel is precious because it is rare, treasured, and impossible to replace. That is exactly who our Jewell was to us. She leaves behind family and friends who will forever be grateful for the love she gave, the memories she made, and the life she shared with us. We will all miss her deeply, but we cling to the promise that we will see her again one day. Until then, we will honor her beautiful life and carry on the love that she poured into all of us.

A funeral service will be held on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. in the chapel of Parrish Funeral Home. The family will receive friends and visitors the night before, on Monday, October 12, 2026, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Parrish Funeral Home. Burial will follow the funeral service in Selma Memorial Gardens. We invite everyone to wear beautiful colors to the service to reflect the warmth and light that Jewell radiated here on earth.