Our mother, Norma Jean Sperry (nee Flowers) passed away peacefully at her home in Union Grove, Alabama on the evening of May 4, 2024. She was surrounded by her two daughters, Sharon and Diana; son, Russell; son-in-law James; and family friend Fred Bryant.
Norma was born in Holden, West Virginia on 9 December 1936. Norma still has a younger brother, Edward Flowers of Tampa, Florida and sister, Bonnie Welch of Holden, West Virginia.
Norma had six grandchildren, Jennifer Hogan of Illinois, Joseph Tezak of Illinois, Rachel Tezak of Navarre Florida, Nickolas Tezak of Yorkville, Illinois, Brian Fussell of Winchester, Virginia and Phillip Fussell in Lorton, Virginia. Norma had five step grandchildren which cherished her as well for forty three years, Anthony Fussell of Durham, NC, Kimberly Fussell of Jacksonville, NC, Valerie Fussell of Jacksonville, NC, Anglea Cimmurita of Boston, Massachusetts and Makeba Fussell of Holy Springs, NC. Norma also had five great grandchildren and four step great grandchildren.
Norma grew up in Holden, West Virginia and was baptized there a few years ago. She went to Logan High School in Logan, West Virginia. She married in 1956 and moved to Illinois. This is where all her children were born.
Norma had a fulfilling career that included being a bus driver for handicapped children with Crawford Bus Service. She also worked as a cook at Lewis University in Illinois and served as a chef at various establishments, including Bruns Restaurant in New Lenox, Illinois and Silver Cross Hospital in Joliet, Illinois until her retirement in September 2008.
Norma and her daughter, Dianna, then moved to Jacksonville, Florida where they lived for 10 years. Her adopted family there still stayed in contact with them when they moved to Union Grove, Alabama in 2018. Norma had a warm and loving personality, earning her endearing nicknames like Granny, Grams, and Nana.
Norma was preceded in death by her older brother, Lloyd (Red) Flowers and sister, Edith Flowers (Horne); parents, Eustace Froud Flowers and Gita Flowers (Gilkerson).
In her free time years ago she loved to bake, cook and crochet.
At the family’s request there will not be services to commemorate Norma’s life. Norma’s memory will forever live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved her.
