People from Norfolk and Waveney who have died in 2023

They include Amber Sheehy, whose army of followers continue to fundraise in her memory, and Gaynor Lord, whose tragic ending saw dozens of floral tributes left at Norwich’s Wensum Park. 

Elsewhere, tributes were paid to a real estate couple who died within months of each other and mother-of-three, Jayne Cox, who tragically passed away during the birth of her son. 

To read more about the lives of this year’s most read obituaries, click on their names below.  

Or leave a tribute in the book of condolences at the bottom of the article. 

Adam and Lucy Thompson 

Adam Thompson, of Mulbarton, died less than four months after his wife lost her battle with cancer. 

Lucy Thompson was diagnosed with breast cancer in February 2018 and died on June 19, aged 44. 

Reality Estate Agent - the business Lucy co-directed with her husband - announced that Mr Thompson had also died in October. 

Jayne Cox  

Mother-of-three, Jayne Cox, 33, gave birth to a son in November but died following the surgery before she got an opportunity to hold him. 

She had gone into the Norfolk and Norwich Hospital with a close family member for a c-section but she died "suddenly and unexpectantly" on the same day as giving birth. 

Her family described her as “a popular person with lots of friends, who was well-liked". 

Marina Watters   

The loved ones of a 26-year-old Marina Watters, who was found dead at home after taking her own life in May, paid tribute and urged others who may be struggling to “speak out”.  

Marina Watters, a fully qualified chartered accountant from the Toftwood area of Dereham, had been described as "the glue" of all of her social circles. 

Her loved ones described her as “the life and soul of everything”.  

Jake Medler  

The widow of a father-of-three who died in a motorbike crash in September said “life can never be the same” in a tribute to him. 

Jake Medler, 36, from Wicklewood, near Wymondham, died in a crash in Salhouse on September 13. 

His wife Sophie said that their “home has lost the magic and chaos that only Jake could bring”. 

Timothy Hoelzer  

The founders of a gin distillery paid tribute to the "face" of their business after his sudden death at a Christmas fair in November at the age of 50. 

Timothy Hoelzer has been described as someone who was always full of life, who would do anything for anyone and as the "backbone" of Home Farm Gin in Hethersett. 

Paul Dunnett, who is a partner in the company and Tim’s life partner, said: “I got to spend 25 years with Tim, nothing was ever too much trouble for him.”   

Amber Sheehy  

A city youngster with an incurable brain tumour, Amber Sheehy died on January 14 - an hour before her 9th birthday. 

Amber was diagnosed with a medulloblastoma brain tumour in April 2019 at the age of five. In June 2021, she was able to ring the celebratory bell to mark the end of her treatment.  

But sadly in April 2022 the Sheehy's received the devastating news that her cancer had returned – and this time was inoperable. 

Ivan Brown  

The former landlord of a city centre pub died in April while on a trip to India. 

Ivan Brown, 71, owned the Murderers in Timberhill from 1984 until 2003 when current landlord Phil Cutter joined him at the helm, eventually taking full control in 2014. 

According to newspaper the Hindustan Times, he was electrocuted while visiting the country on a one-year tourist visa. 

Ryan Dack  

Their love story came to a tragic end after an "extremely funny" football enthusiast died the day after marrying his soulmate. 

Ryan Dack, 30, always wanted to fall in love, and on New Year's Eve in 2019 he did just that. So when doctors broke the news that they could do nothing more for him, his response was: “I need to get married.”   

Ryan was rushed into hospital towards the end of June where it was found he had developed pneumonia. He married Rosie the day before his death on June 26. 

Jane Blackwell  

Jane Blackwell, in her 60s, died while cycling on Newmarket Road following a collision with a red Renault Laguna on Sunday, August 20.   

Her daughter Sarah Lenton praised Ms Blackwell's "active spirit" which drove her to complete countless triathlons, represent Team GB and finish a half Iron Man challenge.  

She said: “She was always looking for the next challenge or adventure and motivating and inspiring others with her fitness achievements.”   

Norma Docwra  

The owner of Great Yarmouth's renowned market chip stall, Docwra's, died at the age of 65 at the start of 2023. 

The family of Norma Docwra announced the news through the stall's Facebook page, describing her as "the warmest and caring woman" following her death after battling health issues. 

Mrs Docwra opened the stall in 2003 which went on to become a favourite destination for locals and holidaymakers alike due to its tasty chips and warm and friendly welcome. 

Sarah Tilley   

More than £12,000 has been raised for local charities following the death of midwife, Sarah Tilley, who was “adored for her warmth and infectious smile”.  

Mrs Tilley, of Great Yarmouth, was first diagnosed with a rare form of cancer called cholangiocarcinoma in 2021. After retiring from the NHS, she became a trustee for Great Yarmouth-based charity Feathers Futures.   

Since her death on September 25, a Just Giving page for the charities Beccles Hospice and Feathers Futures has raised thousands of pounds.  

Tyrone 'Ty' Ward  

Loving tributes were paid to a talented musician who died in a city beauty spot at the age of 23. 

Tyrone Ward was found dead in Mousehold Heath earlier this year following a lengthy struggle with mental ill-health. 

Following his funeral - at which his own music was played to a packed procession - his mother Maria paid tribute. She said: "He loved to work hard, but the thing he loved the most was his family.” 

Mat Wayne 

Several sporting dignitaries paid tribute after a BBC floor manager from Norfolk died earlier this year. 

Gary Lineker paid tribute to BBC floor manager Mat Wayne, of Crownthorpe, near Wymondham, alongside commentator Guy Mowbray and Dan Walker.  

His death was announced by Lineker during the halftime break of June’s FA Cup final. 

Ramon 'Mr Bags' Swinger   

A well-known market trader made his family proud as he worked until the day he died aged 64 – despite having cancer. 

Ramon Swinger, known on Norwich Market as “Mr Bags”, grew up in the city with two older sisters and was always destined to be a salesman.   

Mr Bags was the talk of the city when he won £103,399 on the National Lottery in 2008. Then 48, he matched five numbers and the bonus ball on the Lotto, having used his ‘lucky numbers’ for 12 years.   

Keith Jary  

The family of Keith Jary have hailed him "one of the good guys" after the highly regarded, successful entrepreneur died in October. 

After a "long, brave battle" with metastatic melanoma, Mr Jary, 79, died peacefully at his home on October 3 surrounded by his immediate family. 

His heartbroken family said that with his wife Neilma, the couple had run several businesses in Gorleston, Great Yarmouth and Lowestoft where they've been "popular figures for many years." 

Ronni Johnson  

Ronni Johnson died in July while on a family trip to the Greek island of Rhodes. 

The 10-year-old, from King's Lynn, had a condition called mitochondrial disease. 

It was the same illness that had claimed the life of his younger brother, Freddi, who died when he was just five days old. Freddi's death led his family to discover that Ronni had the condition too. 

Gaynor Lord  

Jarrolds issued a touching tribute to Gaynor Lord following the formal identification of her body.  

The 55-year-old went missing from her job at the Bullards concession in the department store around an hour and 15 minutes before her shift ended on December 8. 

A week-long search ensued and Gaynor, a mother-of-three, was found by police divers in the River Wensum, 400 metres from her last known sighting.  

Corey Lance  

The body of “caring” Corey Lance, 20, was discovered at Neatherd Moor in Dereham on April 26. 

Chelsea Howlett Lance, 24, said her brother's death had sent shockwaves through her family and the community.  

Ms Howlett Lance said: “Corey was known as a caring, loving, there-for-anybody sort of young man." 

Barry Petty    

Barry Petty, who owned Wensum Motors in Costessey with his brother Ian for 16 years, died on March 25 aged 91. 

The oldest of 15 children, Barry moved to Norwich with his sibling Ian - who died in 2019 - to take over Wensum Motors in 1964, which the pair ran until 1980. 

Wensum Motors, which expanded to sell fishing tackle, was physically central to the village and a popular hub for villagers, motorists and fishermen alike. 

James 'Huggy' Hutchinson 

Hundreds of people turned out to line the route and celebrate the life of an "inspirational" man who "touched so many hearts" at his Lowestoft funeral on September 8. 

Glowing tributes have been paid to James 'Huggy' Hutchinson, after the highly respected and stalwart footballer died aged 49. 

In 2018, he was diagnosed with a brain tumour after suffering a seizure while watching his youngest son play cricket in May that year. 

Alfie Brown 

North Walsham fell silent for the funeral of 13-year-old Alfie Brown, who tragically died after being knocked off his bike in a hit-and-run. 

A cortege passed through the town’s Market Place on September 4, where Alfie’s family wore Nirvana t-shirts – a tribute to one of his favourite bands – and his friends followed on their bikes and scooters. 

Alfie died when he was hit by a white Ford Ranger truck while cycling home to North Walsham from Knapton on the evening of Thursday, August 10. 

Paul "Griz" Adams  

His sporting career within the field of cricket would go on to be prolific, but it was “the quick wit and humorous sharp tongue” of Paul Adams that would become legendary.  

From committee posts, to coaching and managing roles at Acle Cricket Club, his work with future generations clearly became his passion.  

Paul Stephen Adams died on October 19 aged 61. 

Dr VHR Krishnan   

“It is the ability and not the disability that matters” - that was just one of Dr VHR Krishnan’s personal philosophies that he held close to his heart as a psychiatrist. 

A lifelong advocate for equality, he dedicated himself to the NHS and strived to improve the lives of thousands of patients, their families, and carers. 

A consultant, Vallepur Hanumanthappa Rama Krishnan died on September 28 aged 71.   

David Cargill  

The son of a farming family who dedicated his life to championing the arts, while leaving his mark on a Norfolk landmark, died aged 86 back in January.  

David Cargill set up the commercial station, Radio Broadland, with friends, writer Malcolm Bradbury and Viscount Edward Coke, as directors. 

During the next 15 years, the business acquired multiple stations across East Anglia and in 1996 it was purchased by GWR Group for £25m. 

Holly Ellis   

Tributes have been paid to a worship leader following her death at the age of 49.  

Holly Ellis, of Ormesby near Great Yarmouth, dedicated her life to the worship of God while working in the medical industry and as a freelance administrator.  

Her husband, Phil, led the tributes to his wife of more than 25 years, and said: “She was my absolute best friend. She was my soulmate.”   

• To pay tribute to a loved one, email norfolkobituaries@newsquest.co.uk    
• To read all obituaries and tributes join the Facebook group Norfolk's Loved & Lost. 
• Do you need support? Samaritans can be contacted 24/7 by calling 116 123. Alternatively, the NHS First Response Service can be reached on 111, selecting option 2.