Obituary for Norma Lea Southall
Norma Lea Shirley was born on May 11, 1933, "in the flat on the Red River" near Hess, Oklahoma to James "Jim" and Madine (Ellis) Shirley. She grew up in the Hess Community and received her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, at the age of twelve at Hess Baptist Church. Norma Lea graduated from the Southside School with the Class of 1951. She went on to further her education at Midwestern State University in Wichita Falls, Texas, graduating with her bachelor's degree in business and secondary education. She married William "Bill" Southall on November 27, 1954. The couple moved to Midland, Texas where Norma Lea worked as a secretary for an oil company for 6 years. In 1960, they moved back to Oklahoma where Bill farmed and Norma Lea would earn another degree from Midwestern State University, this time in Elementary Education. She taught at the Southside School for 23 years before the school shut down. Norma Lea may have retired from the classroom but never retired from teaching. She was a longtime member of the Hess Baptist Church where she loved teaching "GA" missions to her girls. Music was a big part of her life, and she used her talents on the piano and organ at the church. She would play for many different events such as Christmas programs and graduations. She also taught music part-time. Norma Lea loved to travel, especially around the local area to collect antiques at estate sales.
Norma Lea was preceded in death by her husband of 53 wonderful years, Bill; father, Jim Shirley; her mother, Madine (Shirley) Pool; a niece, Brenda Shultz; sister, Edna Mae Shultz and her husband, Cecil; and a brother-in-law, Guy Southall.
Survivors include her nephew, David Shultz and wife, Tawna; two nieces, Lisa Litsch and husband, Kelly, and Sandy Major; her sister-in-law, Lanita Southall; and many great nieces and great nephews.
Funeral services will be 2:00 PM Tuesday, July 30, 2024, at the Lowell-Tims Funeral Home Chapel with Brandon Shultz and Rev. Chris Milner officiating. Burial will follow in the Altus City Cemetery under the care of the Lowell-Tims Funeral Home and Crematory.
Memorial contributions may be made in Norma Lea's name to the Hess Baptist Church, 20689 E CR 176, Elmer, Oklahoma 73539.
To send flowers in memory of Norma Lea Southall, visit the Tribute Store.
Previous Events
Funeral
Tuesday
30
Jul
2:00 PM
Lowell-Tims Chapel
1100 East Tamarack Road
Altus, OK 73521
Interment
Tuesday
30
Jul
Altus City Cemetery
Falcon Road & Veterans Drive
Altus, OK 73521
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