In memory of my grandmother

From the Grandchildren:
Norma Mae McDorman Kiracofe was the very definition of a Southern Belle; seemingly fragile on the outside, but tough as steel on the inside. Above all things, family came first, but "family" was an all-encompassing term that could be, and typically was, deceiving. Grandma’s family included her children, the seven of us, her two sisters, her brother, their children and children’s children. Her family included this church and everyone that ever set foot inside. Her family included Ruitans, Woodmen, volunteer firemen, Methodists, Baptists, Mennonites, residents of Mount Solon, Clover Hill, Bridgewater, Staunton and Harrisonburg.
Her family included you.
And you know this, because you, like anyone that ever stopped by the Hill Farm, knew you could count on three things at Norma Kiracofe’s house; a tall glass of iced tea, good food, and a welcome reception. Nothing made our Grandmother happier than receiving guests at her home and hearing about the recent events in their lives. Grandma was at her best when she was socializing and being an active part of the community she adored. At the very least, you could always count on Norma to have the latest information about what was happening in the Valley.
To the seven of us, however, she was first and foremost simply Grandma – the most giving person we knew and the source of a never-ending supply of unconditional love. She was the first to celebrate our accomplishments, and she always accepted our set-backs with the quiet understanding that only a grandmother can provide. Grandma treated each of us as if we were the most amazing people she’d ever known. A letter, a phone call, picture or postcard from any one of us was cherished by Grandma, whether we were on the other side of the globe or the other side of Augusta County. She loved to giggle with us, and was generally a good sport when we were giggling at her, except when those giggles occurred on the most important of holidays, her birthday. As a beautician, she always stressed the importance of looking our best, even going so far as to bribe us not to bite our fingernails. She taught us the importance of hard work and the value of a dollar, and it was much later in our lives that we realized a quarter apiece wasn’t exactly fair wage for picking up sticks on the 100-acre farm.
Above all else, however, we learned from Grandma that family came first. She never stopped encouraging us to love and support one another, no matter how strongly our sibling rivalry raged. She wanted us to understand our family history and how we became who we are. She hoped, more than anything, that we would be healthy, decent people who found love and happiness in whatever we attempted.
We are so blessed by having known her, and having had her love in our lives. We will never forget her and, as our words fail us, we end with a quote.
"Our love will fly to you each night on angels’ wings. Godspeed, sweet dreams."