Obituary for
Norma Dean Smith
Norma Dean Smith, 90, passed away on October 6th, 2016 in Lawton, OK. Norma was born in Oklahoma City, OK and raised in love by Millie & Charlie Bronson. She lived a full life and gave a full life to others. She was one of the most caring, giving and proud friends anyone could ask for. Her loyalty, spirit and love of family and friends knew no bounds. She is celebrated by her remaining family; her son, Charles (Billy) Butcher of Entiat, WA, Stepson David Smith of Glenco, OK, sister Charlene Cook; grandchildren: Billy Butcher, Jr. and his wife, Teresa of Memphis, Amy (Butcher) Pearce and her husband Wade of Charlotte, NC and Angela Sanders and her husband James of Hernando, MS as well as 7 great-grandchildren and 1 great-great grandchild. She remained close to her former daughter in law, Michelle Rounds and her husband Hal of Somerville, TN throughout her years. She is preceded in death by her husband, Al Smith, and her parents.
After the War in Europe, Norma married Bill Butcher in Bartlesville, OK where they lived and had one son, Billy. Soon after, Norma went on to marry the love of her life, Allen Smith. As a newspaper pressman, Al went where the work was and the work led them to exciting and new ventures far away from the farms of Oklahoma. Eventually life led them to Memphis, TN where Norma worked hard for 35 years at Meyer Myers Paper company in Memphis, TN as an accountant. During those years, Norma and Al made friends at the print plant and from every continent through their association to Friendship Force, a communal travel group. Norma hosted families from Japan, Australia, New Zealand, Europe and Spain in her home and these families in turn hosted Norma & Al in their homes, allowing them to travel the world and bring home amazing memories they shared with family. The parties at their home are still fondly recalled by many. Norma never met a stranger and each person that walked in the home was met with a loving kiss and hug. They lived at their home in Memphis surrounded by friends and grandkids for the remainder of Al’s life and before Norma moved back out west to Washington to live with her beloved son. An avid supporter for education and the advancement for women in the work force, there was no one tougher on the love of education than Norma Smith. In addition to her passion for travel, she loved to help people. As a docent for traveling exhibits in the Memphis area, Norma found deep satisfaction being able to help travelers make the most of their visits to Memphis. She was never short of advice for anyone needing it.
Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday, October 13 at Forest Hill South with service Friday at 2 p.m. Entombment will be in Forest Hill South Mausoleum. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Norma’s honor to St. Jude’s Children Hospital, ID# 10621083
