Norma Lee Henderson Oberlies, age 85, of Huntsville, Alabama, passed away peacefully on September 3, 2026. Norma was born in Guntersville, Alabama to Ada and H. Ralph Henderson on March 7, 1941. After graduating Albertville High School at just 17 years old, Norma moved to Washington, DC where she proudly served in the FBI Administrative department under J. Edgar Hoover. She later relocated to Huntsville where she continued her career with NASA – the place where she would meet the love of her life, Robert Henry Oberlies.
Norma was known for being a great cook and loved cooking for her family and friends. She always had a great gathering every Easter at her home on Green Mountain. She dearly loved her husband and home. She loved real estate and worked for decades helping people to find their homes in Huntsville, Alabama, her town. Her car bumper sticker said, “I wasn’t born in Huntsville but couldn’t wait to get here.”
She actively worked in General Federation of Women’s Clubs (GFWC) starting in 1965, which included Heritage Club, Huntsville’s Women’s Club and GFWC du Midi Women’s Club, as well as the Botanical Gardens, Huntsville Museum of Art Guild, Huntsville Symphony Orchestra Guild and First Stop of Huntsville, Al providing aid to homeless of Huntsville.
Norma and Robert were blessed with four wonderful children, Lisa Anne Oberlies, Huntsville, AL, Matthew Robert Oberlies (Amy Medlin) Huntsville, AL, Susan Oberlies Walter (Jeff) Huntsville, AL, and Laura Lee Oberlies, an infant daughter who went to be with the Lord in 1969.
Deeply moved by the loss of her infant daughter, Norma channeled her grief into purpose, helping to raise money for the Huntsville Women and Children’s Center – a legacy of compassion that continues to serve the community today.
Norma is also survived by her loving sisters, Bonnie Henderson Simmons of Union Grove, AL, and Reda Henderson Grant of Huntsville, AL, as well as several cherished grandchildren.
She said many times she wanted to die before Martha Stewart so she could own the kitchen in Heaven before Martha got there – you currently own it Norma so continue entertaining. She is now with God and the love of her life. It’s time to celebrate!
No services are planned.
Memorial donations may be made to Huntsville Hospital Women & Children’s, Huntsville Hospital Foundation, 699 Gallatin Street SW, Building A, Huntsville, AL 35801
( https://www.huntsvillehospitalfoundation.org/get-involved/give-now). For Huntsville Hospital, please select Women & Children’s in the drop-down box for the hospital unit to send the funds to, or Huntsville Botanical Garden Memorials, 4747 Bob Wallace Ave., Huntsville, AL 35805 (https://15236.blackbaudhosting.com/15236/Unrestricted-Donations)
