Lydabeth Nordman

CAIRO, Ill. -- Lydabeth "Lydie" Tucker Nordman, 89, of Cairo passed away Saturday, Oct. 11, 2014, at her daughter's home in Lexington, Kentucky.

She was born April 26, 1925, in Memphis, Tennessee, to Moselle and George Tucker. She grew up in Kenton, Tennessee. Her family later moved to Cairo where she graduated from Cairo High School.

Lydabeth and Ernest Nordman were married in 1946.

She worked in the bookkeeping department of First National Bank & Trust Co. several years before a long career as a deputy in the county clerk's office, serving the late Reid Abercrombie. Later she had a second career as secretary at Mighty Rivers Church (formerly Cairo Baptist Church), the church she joined after her marriage to Ernie. She continued in this position until her late 70s when an eye condition forced her retirement. She was also a member of the church choir and enjoyed preparing floral arrangements for the altar table.

Lydie loved reading, sewing, cooking, gardening and entertaining friends. She was a loving wife and mother but was widowed at the age of 52. She enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She especially loved hosting and preparing Christmas dinner for all of her family, which grew larger every year.

Survivors include a son, Ernest (Judy) Nordman of Cape Girardeau; a daughter, Elizabeth (Jim) Sharpe of Lexington; five grandchildren, Rachael (Joe) Narsh, Gretchen (Andy) McMillen, Todd (Malia) Nordman, Erica (Greg) Gates, Lindsey (Sam) Margolin; and 11 great-grandchildren.

Lydabeth was preceded in death by her parents, Moselle and George; and husband, Ernie.

Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. today at Crain Funeral Home in Cairo, and after 10 a.m. Friday at Mighty Rivers Church.

The funeral will be at 11 a.m. Friday at the church, with the Rev. Larry Potts officiating. Interment will be in Green Lawn Cemetery at Villa Ridge, Illinois.

In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Lydabeth may be made to Mighty Rivers Church in Cairo, or Wounded Warriors Project, and will be accepted at the funeral home.

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