Norma Mae Wadkins

August 4, 1932 – November 13, 2022

Beloved wife, mother, nana, and sister, Norma passed away on Sunday, November 13, 2022, at the age of 90. She was born on Thursday, August 4, 1932, in Fresno to Theodore Schmidt and Alfreda H. Dahlinger Schmidt. Norma was christened in the German Lutheran Church at 6 weeks of age and at the age of 15, she was confirmed in the same church. Norma graduated from Fresno High School in 1950 and married James S. Wadkins on November 28, 1953, just 15 days after his return from serving in the Korean war.

After high school Norma was employed by Bernie Barber and Associates as a statistical typist and later worked in the loan department at Guarantee Savings and Loan. Upon the birth of her daughter, Norma chose to step away from her career and devoted herself full-time to motherhood. In 1971, Norma returned to the work force as a part-time secretary for Millbrook Presbyterian Church where she had been a member since 1967. She retired 15 years later in 1986. On May 30, 1992, Norma became a charter member of Trinity Presbyterian Church and installed as a Deacon that same day. Norma later served as an Elder from May of 1994 until May of 2000, and then served as Clerk of Session from September 2001 through December of 2004. Norma remained active at Trinity for as long as her health allowed her to. Additionally, Norma had previously volunteered with St. Agnes Hospital and in the Records Division of the Clovis Police Department.

Norma is survived by her husband, Jim Wadkins of Clovis; daughter, Tami Jensen of Clovis; grandchildren, Ashley Jensen of Clovis and Jordan Jensen of Merced; sister, Joyce Hallam of Madera; and several cousins.

The family would like to thank Magnolia Crossing Senior Assisted Living for the care they provided Norma during her time there.

Visitation will be held at Stephens & Bean Funeral Chapel on Tuesday, November 22, 2022, from 12pm to 4pm. A Celebration of Norma’s Life will be held at Trinity Community Church on November 28, 2022, at 11am. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to Magnolia Crossing Senior Assisted Living, 32 W. Sierra Avenue, Clovis, 93612; Trinity Community Church, 12168 N. Willow Avenue, Clovis, 93611; Hinds Hospice, 2490 W. Shaw Avenue #101, Fresno, 93711; or to the charity of your choice.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.stephensandbean.com for the Wadkins family.