Norma Jean Swinford's Obituary
Norma Jean (Beals) Swinford 89, of Decatur passed away on August 13, 2022 at home surrounded by her family and loyal companion Missy.
Norma was born is Sigel, Illinois to Hesper & Bryan Beals on August 23, 1932. She was raised in Cowden, Il. She traveled various places as a child with her parents and siblings until they returned to the Decatur. Norma attended Decatur High School and graduated in 1950.
Norma married Eugene Edwin Swinford on January 20, 1952 in Decatur. Norma and Eugene celebrated 70 years & 7 months of marriage. Out of this union they had one daughter Karen J Davis.
Norma worked at American Farmers Insurance out of high school. She then went to work for Sears & Roebuck and worked in several departments before her finally ending up in the candy department. She enjoyed most of her time at Sears but after 15 years decided to retire and become stay at home housewife and everybody’s mom. She loved all those that called her Mom dearly.
Norma enjoyed sewing, cooking, and all types of music. Her last big project was making blankets for her grandsons, which were the joy of her life. She also worked alongside her husband doing all types of projects around the house. They worked together as a team which made their marriage such a wonderful success. A friend of their daughter once asked them what they did for fun and they replied work.
Norma was very proud of her daughter Karen and both her grandsons Matthew and Patrick.
Matthew a member of Dream Catchers of Macon County Special Olympics, participated in several sports and she enjoyed attending these events until her health no longer allowed her to do so. She was so proud of every medal he won.
Patrick currently works for FloSports doing his dream job, and grandma was very proud of his accomplishments. She sat up two weeks ago to listen to him announce a race in Davenport even though she was so tired she could hardly keep her eyes open. She couldn’t wait to see awards he was receiving next week, but she didn’t quite make it, but we all know she will be watching from above.
Norma loved her newest companion, Missy. Grandma & Grandpa got their little dog right before the covid shutdown in 2020. Missy was grandma’s lap buddy and baby.
At her last stay in the hospital in July Norma was talking to God to come take here home but she kept asking and she then asked why he was late. Later on in the day she asked why he hadn’t come yet, even though she was asleep, she then raised her fist and said she was going to punch him in the nose.
She was a member of Central Christian Church in Decatur.
Norma is survived by her husband Eugene, daughter Karen Davis, grandchildren Matthew Davis and Patrick Davis, Nieces: Susan Jones (Larry), Cathy Mekus (Dave), and Nancy Quimby (Joe) and Nephew Bob Beal (Robin). She is also survived by several great-nieces and nephews, and several unofficial sons and daughters who called her Mom.
Norma is preceded in death by her parents Hesper & Bryan Beals, In-laws Ruby & Lester Swinford, brother & sister-in-law Robert J Beals (Lois), and sister & brother-in-law Helen Ditty (Bill)
Memorials may be given to Dream Catchers of Macon County Special Olympics.
The family of Norma Swinford wishes to extend our sincere thanks to Dr. Dean Davis, Traditions Healthcare, visiting members of Central, and our dear family friend Pastor Blake Thomson of New Vision Church.
A visitation will be from 5:00pm- 7:00pm on Thursday, August 18, 2022 with funeral service on Friday, August 19, 2022 at 1:00pm at Graceland Fairlawn Funeral Home 2091 N. Oakland Ave. Decatur, IL 62526 with burial to follow at Graceland Cemetery.
Arrangements by Graceland Fairlawn Funeral Home 2091 N. Oakland Ave Decatur, IL 62526. Condolences and memories may be shared at www.garcelandfairlawn.com
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