Esther Mae Norman

Esther Mae Norman, 101, passed away on Wednesday, February 22, 2023, in Stillwater, Oklahoma. Memorial service will be held on Monday, February 27, 2023, at 10:00am at the Church of Christ in Perry. Services are entrusted to Dighton Marler Funeral Home of Perry.

Esther Mae Norman was born on October 26, 1921, to parents William and Gypsy Rich (but in name only, as her mother used to say). She was born the year after women were allowed to vote, and she voted until she was 100. She lived through the great depression, impacting her for the rest of her life. She would not throw anything away, refused to turn on the air conditioner, and could get out every ounce of toothpaste using a clothespin.

Esther married George “Bud” Norman in 1940 and had three children. They moved to Perry, Oklahoma, in 1952, and she was a lifelong member of the Perry Church of Christ. It was common for Esther to stay after church and quiz elders and deacons on scripture. Esther stayed home until her youngest was in Junior High and worked until she was 93. Esther served on many boards, was named Beta Sigma Phi Woman of the Year in 2008 and was the 2011 Honorary Parade Marshall of the Cherokee Strip Celebration. In addition, she was among the first women to serve on the City Council and was honored by the Rotary as Person of the Year.

Esther was a mom, grandmother, aunt, community leader, grammar police, and sage. She played basketball for the legendary Bertha Frank Teague and had a mean hook shot that she showed off until she was in her 80s.

She is survived by her sons, Richard and Lyn (Valerie). And was preceded in death by her husband, George, and daughter Susan. Her memory will live on with her grandchildren, but her great-grandchildren were the best part of her life, and you could tell by how she squealed when they walked in the door. Lives are not measured by our lives but by the people we impact. While Esther lived many years, it pales compared to the legacy she left for the people she loved.

Condolences may be sent to the family via an online guestbook at www.dightonmarler.com.