After a long and faithful journey on this earth, Nora Ann Burleson Lail went home to be with her Lord and Savior on May 5, 2026. A devoted wife, mother, and grandmother, she blessed her family and friends with a life full of love, compassion, and quiet strength. While we grieve her passing, we rejoice in the assurance that she is now in the presence of her precious Redeemer.

Nora was born on December 19, 1942, in Avery County to the late Bonnie Vance Burleson and Coleman Isaac Burleson. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Frederick Eugene Lail, and her grandson, Ethan Lail.

Nora leaves behind a loving family who will forever cherish her memory: her sons, Walter Ray Suttles of Valdese, Jeffrey Suttles and wife SarAnn of Connelly Springs, Gregory Lail and wife Kaye of Valdese, and Mark Lail and wife Susan of Belwood. She is also survived by her grandchildren—Tiffany Suttles, Ryan Suttles (Brittany), Grant Suttles, Sydney Suttles, Zach Lail (Summer), Josh Lail (Leah), Chris Lail (Lauren), Brooke Chambers (Seth), Melanie Martin (Kevin), and Kelli Phillips (Brandon)—and great-grandchildren, Emmy and Teddy Suttles, Elijah, Avery, and Millie (soon to be) Chambers, Hadley Lail, Camden Martin, and Riley Lawrence. She is also survived by her beloved sister, Barbara Young, and her brother, Demry Burleson, along with many dear nieces and nephews. Nora leaves behind a beautiful legacy of faith that will continue to guide generations to come.

A celebration of Nora’s life will be held Friday, May 8, 2026, at 4:00 PM at Solid Rock Baptist Church in Morganton, North Carolina, with Rev. Tony Land and Rev. Stacey Lane officiating. Interment will follow at Burke Memorial Park. The family will receive friends prior to the service on May 8, 2026, at 3:00 PM at Solid Rock Baptist Church.

Memorial contributions may be made to Medi Home Hospice, 1955 Newland Hwy, Newland, NC 28657, or to Solid Rock Baptist Church, 2505 Burke Memorial Park Rd., Morganton, NC 28655.

Nora held firmly to the promise found in John 11:25: “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live.” Her greatest desire was for her family and friends to know Jesus. Some of her final words before dementia took her memory away were, “Be happy for my home going… and please meet me in heaven.”