Norma Gatlin's Obituary
Norma Lee Gatlin, 96, went to be with her Lord, with her son and daughter holding her hand, on June 27, 2021. During the last 3 months of her life, Norma experienced much pain, but she never wavered in her strong faith in God and
never lost her sweet disposition or witty sense of humor. Norma kept the Hospice nurses laughing, and they were always telling her that she was a hoot!
Norma was born in Blackwell, Oklahoma, on May 24, 1925. After beginning her 38-year-career with Southwestern Bell as a switchboard operator, Norma met the man of her dreams, Jack Gatlin. According to Norma, Jack was the best smelling man she had ever met! Jack worked for Rader Funeral Home, and they courted in the parlor of the funeral home. Norma liked to tell the story that NO ONE ever bothered them there!
Norma and Jack were married on March 20, 1949, and were blessed with 56 wonderful years of marriage. They were devoted parents to their son, Tim, and their daughter, Joy. Norma loved her grandchildren dearly, and they loved being with her because she was always so much fun. Not only was Norma fun, but like her brother, Max, she was sweet, caring, and selfless. Family commented often that Max and Norma were two of the sweetest people they had ever known.
Norma enjoyed the simple things of life like sitting on her back porch feeding the ducks, watching the hummingbirds, and just enjoying nature. She was an awesome cook and loved delighting her family and friends with her amazing desserts, especially her chocolate sheet cake and almond crackers.
Norma loved her friends—whether playing 42 together, talking on the phone daily, rehashing the Ranger baseball games, or surprising friends by singing “Happy Birthday” in her signature Marilyn Monroe voice. Norma Gatlin was amazing, even driving her Ranger pickup to church and to the beauty shop at 93!
However, she will most be remembered for her loving, compassionate, and kind spirit. She is remembered by people she worked with years ago as the best supervisor at Southwestern Bell. She is remembered for the many people she visited in the hospital. She is remembered by her daughter as a saint who never lost her temper or raised her voice. She is remembered by her family as a caregiver to her beloved husband for years when anyone else would have given up.
Norma Lee Gatlin’s legacy will live on for years to come. She will be greatly missed.
The family would like to thank Dr. Bob Sansom and Heartsway Hospice, especially Tim and Josh and Norma’s loving caregivers, Sandra Warren, Stacy Belt, Lynda Edwards, and Angel Sammons for their tireless and compassionate care.
Norma was preceded in death by her husband, Jack Gatlin; her parents, Marjorie Welborn and Arthur Hess; and her brother, Wayne Hess.
Those left to cherish her memory are: Tim and Janie Gatlin, (son and daughter-in-law), of Houston; Joy and Sandy Gillen, (daughter and son-in-law), of Longview; Max and Lola Hess, (brother and sister-in-law) of Trophy Club; grandchildren, Kent Gatlin; Meg Stuart; Renee Shirey; and Blake Gillen; great grandchildren, Juliet and Autumn Stuart; special friends, Laura and Gary Harrison; along with many nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be held from 5:00-7:00 p.m. on Friday, July 2. A Celebration of Life service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, July 3, at Rosewood Park Mausoleum.
Memorials may be made to Longview First Church of the Nazarene , 2601 H. G. Mosley Pkwy 75605 or Heartsway Hospice.
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