Norma Jean Russell

Norma Jean Russell, 67, of Spiro, OK, went to be with her Father in heaven on Sunday July 17, 2016 in Fort Smith. She was born September 7, 1948, in Fort Smith to John and Anna Lorene Coleman Alverson. She was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. She and her sister-in-law owned a beauty shop in Arkoma when she was in her 20’s. She absolutely loved doing hair, and she had patrons that would not let anyone touch their hair but her. Even after they had to close the shop due to health issues, her patrons would come to our house and still have her do their hair. She also worked at Baldor Electric on the 3rd shift and worked at the beauty shop during the day. She was the most giving person you would ever meet. She was always helping someone, taking someone in that had nowhere to go, and helping them to get on their feet. She always saw the good in everyone. She was the type of person that you could call in the middle of the night and she was there. She never met a stranger and was good to people and didn’t judge them by how they looked or what they had. She had a golden heart that is for sure. The last 10 to 15 years she has suffered many many health problems. But now she will suffer no more for she is living with her Lord and Savior where there is no pain.

She is survived by two daughters, Leighanna Lewis and husband Keith (Pap) of Spiro and Amy Kiefer and husband Ronny of Arkoma; one brother, Jerry Alverson and wife Jane of Van Buren; one sister, Carolyn Vaught of Arkoma; five grandchildren, Isaiah Lewis of the home, Ryan Thomas and wife Saibra, Kendra Kiefer, Jonathon Lewis and wife Ranee, and Aaron Seth Hendricks; nine great grandchildren, Zaylynn, Blaziah, Jerrick, Kayleb, Kaylee, Kane, Joie, Ryan Chad, Jr. and Ray; three nieces, La Ronnee Jerger of CA., Sarah Alverson of Arkoma, and Carrie Coady of Arkoma. She was preceded in death by her loving parents, John and Anna Alverson; her maternal grandparents, L.R. and Lula Caroline (Mama Coleman) Coleman, whom spoiled her rotten; her paternal grandparents, Martha T. and William Alverson and her infant son, Vinson Bryan.

Funeral service will be Thursday, July 21, 2016 at 11:00 AM in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints with burial to follow in Woodlawn Memorial Park all under the direction of Edwards Funeral Home.

Pallbearers will be Bob Schneider, Jerry Christensen, David Vest, Ryan Thomas, and Les Martin. The family will greet friends at Edwards Funeral Home on Wednesday evening from 5-7 PM.

Memorials may be made to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, 8712 Horan Drive, Fort Smith, AR 72903. To sign an online guestbook visit www.edwardsfuneralhome.com