Norma Jean Esham

Norma was born January 8, 1933, in Metcalf, Illinois. She attended school there and in high school met the love of her life, Kenny Esham. Norma married Kenny at age 19 and they moved to Denver after he joined the Air Force. While in Denver, Norma gave birth to two sons, Don and David. In 1955 they moved to Tucson for Kenny’s job with the Federal Aviation Administration at Davis Monthan Air Force Base.

Norma was a stay-at-home mom and later gave birth to two more sons – Richard and Gary. Always committed to her family, Norma stayed home with her four sons until her younger sons reached their teen years. At that point she took a job at Sabino High School as a lunch lady.

Norma’s four sons Don Esham, David Esham (Laura), Richard Esham (Kelly), and Gary Esham (Sherry) all live in Tucson. She had eight grandchildren and three great grandchildren with a fourth due in a few months. Norma’s four sons loved her and were deeply committed to their mother, visiting her assisted living facility almost every day to make sure she was supported and not lonely.

Norma's eight grandchildren lovingly remember the holidays and family-get-togethers at her house where she would cook amazing meals. She had a way of making each of her grandchildren feel valued.

Those who knew Norma would best describe her as thoughtful, kind, and unassuming. She loved to dress up – usually in clothes with bling. She wore one of her many hats when she went out. Always wanting to look her best, Norma painted her nails and had her hair styled weekly. She loved collecting Barbies and anything Elvis. When Norma was younger, she took belly dancing classes.

Norma passed away on July 29, 2024, at the Cascades of Tucson. She is joined in heaven with her husband, Kenny and her mother and father, Nora and James, as well as by her brother Ralph and her sisters Edna Kinnaman, Mary Louise Carver, and Anna Catherine Coleman. In lieu of flowers, the family prefers donations be made in the name of Norma Esham to the Alzheimer’s Association Desert Southwest Chapter (alz.org/dsw).

A visitation for Norma will be held Monday, August 5, 2024 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at East Lawn Palms Mortuary, 5801 East Grant Road, Tucson, AZ 85712, followed by a Funeral Service from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM, and a graveside service at 12:00 PM at East Lawn Palms Cemetery.