Norma Jean Hocking, of Ardmore, passed away peacefully in her home surrounded by family and friends on Monday, April 15, 2024. Norma was born in Maynard, Arkansas on September 2, 1937 to Normal Otto Sullivan and Mary Elizabeth Cain Sullivan.
Norma was preceded in death by her parents; a baby sister, Martha Elizabeth; her husbands, Glen Martin and Tommie Hocking; her eldest daughter, Betty Blevins; her eldest grandson, Curtis Blevins; twin great-granddaughters, Kaylee and Gracie; two sons-in-law, Curt Blevins and Milton Tidwell and brother-in-law, Ralph Hill.
Left to cherish her memory are her children, Glenda Pryor (Michael) of Ardmore; Patricia Barnes (Keith) of Salem, Kentucky; Tommie Sue Tidwell of Ardmore; Paul (Connie) Martin of Double Springs; Daniel Hocking (Norris) of Haleyville; David Hocking (Tina) of Lawton, Oklahoma; Sandra Ruiz of Arkansas and Jodie Hocking (Julie) of Maynard, Arkansas. She also leaves behind her brother, Jerry Sullivan (Shirley) and sister, Erma Hill of Pocahontas, Arkansas.
Norma also leaves behind 23 grandchildren, 44 great-grandchildren and 13 great-great-grandchildren.
Norma spent several years working at TRW Cinch in Pocahontas, Arkansas, but most of her career was spent as a tremendous cook at several different restaurants.
As a devout Christian, Norma knew that her faith and family were her top priority. She championed the accomplishments of each of her family and was always thrilled to tell everyone about her children and their children. If you were around Norma for any length of time, she would make sure to feed you. Food was her love language, and she instilled the gift of fellowship through cooking and eating to each of her offspring.
The matriarch of this family will be terribly missed, but we are all thrilled that she has completed her earthly journey and is in Heaven with her Savior.
A graveside service is planned for Saturday, May 11, 2024 at 10 a.m. at Rock Creek Cemetery, 54 County Road 6, Double Springs. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the American Cancer Society or The Gideons.
Valhalla Funeral Home of Huntsville is assisting the family.
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