Nora Towns peacefully passed away at her home on September 13, 2026, at the age of 91, surrounded by the love of her family.
Born December 13, 1934, Nora was the daughter of Alton Parker and Alice Reno Parker. She grew up in Cullman, Alabama, during a time when life was not always easy. She often spoke of picking cotton and growing up in a small house on a farm. Those early experiences helped shape the strong, determined, and hardworking woman she became.
Nora was the third of four children. Her older siblings, Modell and Curtis, and her younger brother, Donnie, preceded her in death. Her family takes comfort in knowing that she has now gone on to join them.
Nora was the mother of two daughters, Susan Hardin, who preceded her in death at the age of 17, and Cindy Hardin Osborne of Huntsville.
She is lovingly survived by her two grandchildren, Matthew Osborne and his wife, Randi, and Suzanne Osborne Clifford; as well as her six great-grandchildren, Alana Osborne, Bryant Osborne, Emma Kate Osborne, Isaac Osborne, Dade Clifford, and Willow Clifford; as well as many cherished extended family members and dear friends who cared for her deeply.
Nora was a smart and accomplished businesswoman who found great success in real estate. She was a high achiever who genuinely loved people, never met a stranger, and was always encouraging to those around her. Her talents extended beyond selling homes. She helped develop land on High Mountain Road that she named Parker Subdivision, and she enjoyed working with and modifying blueprints.
One of Nora’s proudest accomplishments was designing and building her dream home on Chapman Mountain. She spent considerable time working on and changing the blueprints until the home was just as she envisioned it. The house was completed in 2007, and Nora was blessed to remain in her home until her passing.
During the final years of her life, Nora was cared for by a wonderful group of caregivers who became much more than caregivers — they became family. They loved Nora deeply, and she loved them in return.
Nora once told her daughter that she believed she would have two jobs when she reached Heaven: taking care of the flower gardens and helping draw up new blueprints. It was a fitting thought for a woman who spent her life creating, building, caring, and imagining what could come next.
A devoted Christian, Nora was a member of First Baptist Church, and her faith was an important part of her life.
Her family will remember her as a strong, intelligent, loving, and determined woman who cherished her family, enjoyed being around people, and was never afraid to dream, build, or begin something new. Her life touched many people, and the family, friendships, homes, and community she helped build will remain part of her legacy for generations to come.
Visitation will be held at First Baptist Church Huntsville on Thursday, September 17th, 2026 from 11:30am – 12:00pm, with the funeral service beginning at 12:00pm. Interment will follow at Maple Hill Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in Nora’s name to OASIS RespiteCare, run by First Baptist Church Huntsville.
