Norma Winn

OLIVE BRANCH, Ill. -- Norma Fern Winn, 86, of Olive Branch and Lake Wales, Florida, went to her heavenly home Sunday, June 21, 2020, at Forsythe Hospice House in Auburndale, Florida.

She was born July 19, 1933, in Woodriver, Illinois, to John Nelson and Dorothy Irey Isom. She married Orman E Winn Jr. on April 2, 1955, in Corinth, Mississippi.

Norma worked as a key-punch operator for United Airlines in Chicago for a time, then was a busy homemaker and mother to many over the years. She loved her cats and spent many hours playing games with friends and loved ones.

For many years, she split her time between Olive Branch and Lake Wales, but Olive Branch was her true home and the place she loved to be.

Throughout her life, Norma enjoyed the outdoors, and despite having contracted polio at age 2, she enjoyed roaming the hills with her friend, Larry Bedville, as a young girl. She continued to be able-bodied until the last years of her life. She cared for her loved ones, her children and many surrogate children during her lifetime.

She is survived by her son, Jack E. Winn; daughter-in-law, Eva JoAnn Winn of Lake Wales; daughters, Micki J. (Russell) Griffith of Lake Wales and Julie Nowling (fiance Michael Brandt) of Huntsville, Alabama; brother, Gene Nelson Isom of Columbia, Tennessee; sister, Rita Browning of Olive Branch; and brother, Jack Isom of Huntsville. She leaves behind seven grandchildren; 23 great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren.

Norma had many special relationships through the years and contributed to the lives of many children as they grew into adulthood, notably Amy Day Parker, Bridgett Adams Wheeler, Carol Sparks, Rose and Rick Gallager, Jody and Leslie McCoy, Johnny Windsor and many others.

Norma was preceded in death by her husband; parents; stepfather, Leon Sams; brother, Marvin James Isom; and grandson, Timothy Orman Nitsche.

Graveside service will be at 11 a.m. Saturday at Olive Branch Cemetery, with Pastor Clarence Thompson officiating.

Crain Funeral Home in Tamms, Illinois, is in charge of arrangements.