Mary Ann Norman
Norman Mary Ann Norman went to be with Jesus Friday, March 8th, 2024 surrounded by her family. Momma, Nana, Mary Ann, Mrs. Norman was a strong, loving, enduring, faithful servant, wife, daughter, sister, and teacher.
She was born on December 13,1946 to Harry and Mary Ryles in Oklahoma City. She loved the story of the day she was born. In 1946 the mother was unconscious after the birth. Her mother wanted to name her Mary Jane. Her daddy ran to the nurses and named her Mary Ann before her mother woke up. She was a sweet and timid little girl who loved to be outside. One day she climbed a tree and couldn’t get down and the fire department had to come rescue her.
Mary Ann met the love of her life, Gary, in Wewoka junior high. They were married on September 1, 1967. She loved him and cared for him until the end of his life and hers. Mary Ann and Gary had two children. Kimberly Ann and Bradly Don. Being a mother was the only thing she ever wanted and she knocked it out of the park.
Mary Ann was a nurturing caretaker. She cared for Gary and both of her parents. Mary Ann as Nana was brave, strong, and loving. She had 6 grandchildren and she kept them all together, all the time. Her grandchildren are Blayne, Spencer, Baylie, Sarah Kate, Emma, and Eyan. They had so many adventures together. They loved the children’s museum, zoo, movies, and anything they wanted to do or try. They would all stay the night and wake up to biscuits and gravy, cinnamon rolls, and cheesy eggs. She taught them all about snacking and midnight snacks.
She didn’t believe anyone could go to sleep if they were hungry. She never went anywhere without a tote bag full of snacks. They always had snacks in the car and remember her running off the road while eating Doritos and bean dip while driving! Nana was and still is their BIGGEST fan, their biggest cheerleader, and their biggest defender. In her eyes, they did nothing wrong and you, including their parents, did not mess with her babies. She never missed an activity or function for them. Family and holidays were the most important thing to her and she helped raise her grandkids to be like siblings.
She made us all feel so loved and special and we knew she would do anything for us. Including taking us on summer family vacations. She made the memories that will be carried and cherished forever. Momma was a hard worker and a busy bee. She truly loved teaching and was the underdog cheerleader. She taught every age at Wewoka Public Schools and retired as high school librarian.
After retirement, she went on to teach GED classes for adults. She said that teaching them brought so much fulfillment and that she felt she made a difference. She also fed her students snacks and lunch. Mary Ann was a lifelong member of the First United Methodist Church of Wewoka, she graduated from East Central University with a bachelors degree, a masters degree, and reading specialist and librarian certificates. She was a Camp Fire leader for many years, member of the AAUW, Rainbow Girls and the Carnation Garden Club.
Momma always shared with us how proud she was of us, how much she loved us, and she taught us that Jesus loves us. She taught us right from wrong and to help others. Especially your family. Momma fought so hard to stay with us so she could see all of her grandkids graduate high school and college. She didn’t’t want to leave them, but she was ready to see Jesus. She was ready. She was so strong and fought the good fight. Life well lived my good and faithful servant. Until we meet again, Momma. In her words, we love you to the moon and back.
Mary Ann is preceded in death by her parents, Harry and Mary Ryles, husband Gary Norman, grandson Spencer Childers, sister June Penton, brother in laws Al Penton and Jimmy Norman, and mother in law Joyce Grooms.
She is survived by her children Kim and Brad Childers of Ada, Brad and Angie Norman of Wewoka, grandson Blayne Norman and fiance Alexis Long of Wewoka, Baylie and husband Chris Hauger of Holdenville, Sarah Kate Childers of Ada, Emma Norman of Wewoka, and Eyan Norman of Wewoka. Sisters, Susan Ware of Dallas and Linda and husband Pat Miner of Yukon, family and special friends Kenneth and Mary Norman and Ann and Raymond Cain. Several special and loved nieces and nephews, family and friends.
Funeral Service will be 2:00 p.m. Tuesday March 12, 2024 at Stout Phillips Funeral Home Chapel with Pastors Doyle Long and David Long officiating. Services are under the care of Stout-Phillips Funeral Home Wewoka, Oklahoma. Burial will be held at Oakwood Cemetery Wewoka.
Pallbearers are Blayne Norman, Spencer Childers, Eyan Norman, Trent Miner, Bryan Cain, Monte Phillips, and Chris Hauger. Honorary Pallbearers will be Brad Childers, Kenneth Norman, Pat Miner, Scott Ware, Brock Miner, Mickey Crittenden, Corky Crittenden, Donald Sosbee, Paul Herrera, Hershel O’Donnell, Ronald Sosbee, Daxton Carter, and Trent Patterson.
Mary Ann asks that memorial contributions be made to OK Kids Korral. www.tobykeithfoundation. org.818 N.E. 8th street Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73104 405-271-6552.