Norma Jean Barrett

Norma Jean Barrett, 87, of Mount Ida, Arkansas, passed away Sunday, February 16, 2020, in Hot Springs, Arkansas. She was born in Mount Ida on October 14, 1932 to Burl and Gladys (Warren) Duke. Norma Jean is preceded in death by her parents, husband; Dub Barrett and son; Larry Bevill.

Norma Jean is survived by 2 daughters; Teresa G. (William G) Stephens and Tammy S. Bevill, brother; Darrell (Sadie) Duke, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews and a host of other friends and family.

Norma Jean was a Licensed Vocational Nurse for over 30 years, starting out in the Emergency Room then specializing in the OB/GYN department. She volunteered at The Heritage Museum, Montgomery County Nursing Home, and all the High School Reunions. She was beauty queen her senior year of high school and the Pickle Queen of Montgomery County Fair. She was a member of the Norman Baptist Church where she earned the nickname “Puddin” because she always brought Banana pudding for the potlucks.

Her favorite poem: The Poem. You can shed tears that she has gone, Or you can smile because she has lived. You can close your eyes and pray she’ll come back. Or you can open your eyes and see all that she has left behind. Your heart can be empty because you can’t see her, Or you can be full of the love you shared. You can turn your back on tomorrow and live yesterday, Or you can be happy for tomorrow because of yesterday. You can remember her, and only that’s she’s gone, Or you can cherish her memory and let it live on. You can cry and close your mind, Be empty and turn your back, Or you can do what she’d want, Smile, open your eyes, love, and go on.

Memorial service will be Monday, February 24th, 2020, 2pm at Owley Cemetery. Arrangements were made under the direction of Thornton Funeral Home of Mount Ida, AR. Guest register at www.thorntonfh.com