Services were held Aug. 10 at Slininger-Schroeder Funeral Home in Jefferson for Norma Neal, 94, of Jefferson.
Words of comfort were offered by Kelly Gafkjen, chaplain of Hospice of the Midwest. Hollie Roberts was reader. Gary Haupert was soloist, accompanied by Sheryl Sloan. Honorary bearers were Norma’s grandchildren Jerry Wiley, Jeff Wiley, Jolene Wiley, James Neal and Tom Neal.
Interment will be at Ashmore Cemetery in Ashmore, IL, at a future date.
Norma Jean Neal was born on Sept. 22, 1926 to Lois (Walker) and Thomas Baumgartner in Charleston, IL. She graduated from Charleston High School in the Class of 1944.
Norma was married to Johnnie Neal on July 1, 1944. Two children were born to that union: Robert and Faye. Norma worked as a secretary and did clerical work. She worked at the Coles County treasurer’s office for some time where she worked with ladies who became good friends. Her main career, however, was being a housewife, a caring mother, and a loving grandmother. Norma was very proud of her family. Every new baby born was the “cutest baby she’d ever seen” and every toddler was “the smartest!” She loved sharing stories about her family. Norma also loved reading, sewing, cooking, and having coffee with a special group of friends.
Norma believed in God and her prayer time was a very important part of her life. She started each day with devotions and ended her day reading the Bible and praying. If Norma knew you, be assured that she had prayed for you.
Norma passed away Aug. 6, 2021, in Jefferson.
She is loved and missed by her children Robert (Jeannie) Neal and Faye Wiley; grandchildren Tom (Michelle) Neal, James (Crystal) Neal, Jerry Wiley (Kathy Cloud), Jeff (Kaleigh) Wiley, and Jolene Wiley and fiancé Michael Monthei; 12 great-grandchildren and five great-great-grandchildren; her sister Winona Shepherd; nieces, nephews, and many friends.
Norma was preceded in death by her parents, husband, sister and brother, a granddaughter, and a great-great-granddaughter.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Hospice of the Midwest or St Jude Children’s Hospital.
