Mrs. Norine Whitfield Thomas McPhail, 84, of Lillington passed away Friday, May 29, 2015 at her home. She was born in Person County, the daughter of the late Kenneth Archibald and Ruth Oakley Whitfield. Norine was preceded in death by husbands, Lawrence Kruse Thomas and Gilbert McPhail; brothers, Kenneth Charles Whitfield and James Marion Whitfield. She was a former member of Broadway United Methodist Church where she was President of the United Methodist Women's Ministry. While serving as President, she was instrumental in starting the Annual Harvest Sale that funded the existing fellowship hall. Upon her marriage to Gilbert McPhail, she transferred her membership to Spring Hill United Methodist Church and continued to be active in the ministries of the church. Due to Gilbert's illness and eventually her own, Norine was not able to attend church regularly but her faith remained unwavering. Her love of gardening, yard work and sewing was not hindered by her sickness until the last few days of her life. She also enjoyed working with the Shrinettes and attending conventions with Gilbert.

Funeral service will be 11:00 AM Wednesday, June 3, 2015 at Spring Hill United Methodist Church in Lillington with Pastor Terry Williams officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends Wednesday from 10:00-11:00 AM at the church and other times at her home.

Norine is survived by her daughter, Teresa W. Talley of Apex, son, Gary L. Thomas of Broadway, son, Danny L. Thomas and wife Elaine Dixon Thomas of Lillington, son, Randy K. Thomas and wife Belinda J. Thomas of Sanford, daughter, Karen T. Dollar and husband Ronnie Dollar of New Bern, son, David Lynn Thomas and wife Phyllis Blalock Thomas of Wilmington, 11 grandchildren, Joshua Talley, Elizabeth Todd, T. Lawrence Thomas, Stephanie Faith Edwards, Wesley E. Thomas, Seth L. Thomas, Jason K. Thomas, Randi H. Thomas, Christopher Shaun Dollar, E. Mitchell Thomas, David Lynn Thomas, Jr.; 9 great-grandchildren; sister, Hazel W. Bradley and husband Marshal Neill Bradley of Sanford.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Liberty Hospice, 105 Hunt Valley Dr., Dunn, NC 28334 or Spring Hill United Methodist Church, 1960 Spring Hill Church Rd., Lillington, NC 27546.

The family would like to thank Dr. Michael J. Sundborg, Liberty Hospice and special thanks to Loretta Worrell and Norma Wotnom for their loving sweet spirit and care of Norine and her family.

Funeral service will be 11:00 AM Wednesday, June 3, 2015 at Spring Hill United Methodist Church in Lillington with Pastor Terry Williams officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends Wednesday from 10:00-11:00 AM at the church and other times at her home.