Norma Jean Thomas

Our loving mother, Norma Jean Thomas, went to her Heavenly home July 13, 2023. Norma Jean was born in Jenkins, Kentucky to the late Bessie Ratliff and John Funk. She was renowned for her lack of patience, not holding back her opinion and her knack for telling it like it is. Norma Jean always told you the truth even if it wasn’t what you wanted to hear. It was the school of hard knocks and growing up with seven brothers which made her genuine to a fault. Her vocabulary was extensive; she knew more curse words by the age of ten than most people learn in a lifetime. She liked four letter words as much as she loved playing Skipbo, smoking cigarettes, watching old westerns and seeing Si Robertson (Duck Dynasty) mistake raccoon poop for blueberries.

Children were drawn to her. Norma Jean was called “Mom” not just by her own kids and their friends, but by many of the neighborhood young folks as well. It was her house where kids gathered for snacks, real lessons and sometimes safety. To her own children, Norma Jean, as an often single parent, was both mom and dad. This was a thankless, difficult job at which she worked tirelessly. Sometimes they had only corn mush, words of encouragement, and hugs to live on, but it was all they needed to survive.

Norma loved to crochet, cook, bake and decorate cakes. Her fudge, Christmas candies, and Barbie birthday cakes were always family favorites. Many beautiful blankets made by Norma’s hands are still keeping her loved ones warm.

Those missing her most will be her children Katrina Zachary (Allen Hall), Donna Milligan (Kenny Sheets), Donald Williamson (Cathy), and Tanya Harmon (Bobby); sixteen grandchildren; twenty-seven great-grandchildren; brother, Sam Funk; and big pup, Frisco.

Norma Jean established a relationship with Jesus early in her life. She prayed daily for her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and anyone she felt needed to be lifted up. She was surrounded by family when she was recently re-baptized at Sacred Fire Church in Belleview, Florida.

Norma Jean was welcomed to her place among the angels by her parents; six of her seven brothers; grandsons Robert Tryon Jr, Vincent Tryon, and Patrick Williamson; and granddaughter, Tommy Lee Hill, who we know is still hugging her Grandma Norma’s neck.

Memorials may be made to the Humane Society of Garland County, 1321 AR-128, Lonsdale, AR 72087.

A Celebration of Norma's Life will be held on March 30, 2024, her 71st birthday.