Norma Jean Thompson, aged 96, passed away peacefully in her sleep January 27, 2024, at the continuous care facility she made her home for the past several years. She was born October 22, 1927 to Velma Phillips and Joe Thompson in their family home in Plainview, Texas.
Norma married Marvin Coffey in 1947, and was with him faithfully, until his passing in 1993. She found renewed love and married Dave Thompson on January 26, 1996. Norma was adored by Dave's children and their families.
Norma and Marvin owned and operated a drive-in restaurant in the early days, and she spent the remainder of her career in commercial banking, where she was the head cashier at the Hereford State Bank. Everyone knew if not for her, the bank would never have survived.
Norma Jean Thompson could be described as truly one of a kind. She was known as Wife, Mom, Aunt, Stepmom, friend and affectionately by most as Mema. She could have been known as the smartest person in the room, she was after all the valedictorian of her high school class in Dimmitt, Texas.
Norma has been described by many as a great woman which is appropriate for sure. Then there is entrepreneur, business executive, and probably the most organized person that anyone ever met. There was never a pillow out of place or a dirty dish on any counter that she was around. She never said anything negative about anyone and never had a vice at all that those that knew her could think of.
There are a few people that might say she was a strict disciplinarian, ask Lonny about that one. Totally unique would also be something that most might say. For sure Mema loved us all and was always there for all of us and frankly would have done anything for us all. She was truly as loving and caring as anyone most of us ever knew.
We will all always remember Mema and miss her very much.
Norma is preceded in death by her parents Joe and Velma Thompson, daughter Nancy Carole Stapp, husband Marvin Coffey, husband Dave Thompson, brother Charles Thompson, and sister Myrna Rheudasil.
She leaves behind to cherish her memory, son Lonny Coffey and wife Karren, grandchildren; Leslie Smithwick and husband Phillip, Bradley Stapp and wife Amy, Micah Coffey and wife Robyn, and Michelle Wolf and husband Chris, great-grandchildren; Haley Smithwick, Brooklyn Smithwick and daughter Brinley, Hannah Smithwick, Peyton Smithwick, Josh Smithwick, Callan Coffey, Lainey Wolf, Allie Wolf, and Jordan Stapp, sister JoAnn Gordoni, as well as numerous extended family and adoring friends.
The family would like to extend a special "Thank You" to everyone who helped Norma during her final years, and to everyone who helped to make this memorial service special.
Norma loved and was loved by many. She will be missed and loved always.
In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in honor of Norma Jean Thompson to the First Baptist Church of Friona, or to a charity of your choice.
Jeanie Bautista, Longtime Chicago Heights resident, Age 48, passed away on January 21, 2024. She was born on June 6, 1975 and raised in San Benito, Texas.
Mother of Alyssa Bautista, Sandra Carranza, Mark Bautista, Kaila Bautista, Jada Bautista, and Gabriel Bautista. Grandmother of 6. Sister of David Bautista Jr., Esmeralda Méndez, Elisandro Bautista, Gilbert Bautista, Diana Jones, Anita Salcedo, Víctor Bautista, Janie Cortez, Michael Bautista, Aunt to many nieces and nephews. Friend of many.
She is preceded in death by her parents - Romana and David Bautista and sisters - Delmira Torres and Rosa Chávez.
Memorial Visitation at Our Lady of the Heights/St Kieran Church, 724 195th Street, Chicago Heights on Saturday February 10, 2024 from 9:00 am until time of Funeral Mass 10:00 am. Services will be held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, Febrary 13, in the Friona Cemetery Memorial Chapel. Private inurnment in Friona, Texas. Arrangements by Panozzo Bros Funeral Home, Chicago Heights IL.