Norma Jean Neal

Norma Jean Neal died Aug. 6 in Jefferson at the age of 94. 

Norma was born on Sept. 22, 1926, to Lois (Walker) and Thomas Baumgartner in Charleston, Ill. She graduated from Charleston High School in the Class of 1944.

Norma was married to Johnnie Neal on July 1, 1944. Two children were born to that union: Robert and Faye.

She worked as a secretary and did clerical work. Norma worked at the Coles County Treasurer’s Office for some time, where she worked with ladies who became good friends. 

Her main career, however, was being a housewife, a caring mother and a loving grandmother. Norma was very proud of her family. Every new baby born was the “cutest baby she’d ever seen” and every toddler was “the smartest!” She loved sharing stories about her family. Norma also loved reading, sewing, cooking and having coffee with a special group of friends.

Norma believed in God and her prayer time was a very important part of her life. She started each day with devotions and ended her day reading the Bible and praying. If Norma knew you, be assured that she had prayed for you.

She is loved and missed by her children: Robert (Jeannie) Neal and Faye Wiley; five grandchildren: Tom (Michelle) Neal; James (Crystal) Neal; Jerry Wiley (Kathy Cloud); Jeff (Kaleigh) Wiley; Jolene Wiley and fiance Michael Monthei; 12 great-grandchildren and five great-great-grandchildren; her sister, Winona Shepherd; nieces, nephews and many friends.

Norma was preceded in death by her parents, husband, sister and brother, a granddaughter and a great-great-granddaughter.

A funeral service was held Aug. 10 at the Slininger-Schroeder Funeral Home with words of comfort by Kelly Gafkjen, chaplain, Hospice of the Midwest, and a reading by Hollie Roberts.

Honorary bearers were grandchildren Jerry Wiley, Jeff Wiley, Jolene Wiley, James Neal and Tom Neal.

Music was “In the Garden,” “The Old Rugged Cross” and “The Lord’s Prayer” (Gary Haupert, soloist; Sheryl Sloan, accompanist).

A funeral luncheon followed at the Elks Lodge.

Interment will be held at a future date in Ashmore Cemetery, Ashmore, Ill.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Hospice of the Midwest or St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital.