Norma Mae Croslin Dennison

Norma was born November 5, 1926 in Loraine, Texas to the late John Luther and Twila Rebecca Walker Croslin of Texas. Norma was the loving wife of Robert Manley Dennison Jr. who passed away in 1994.

Norma studied art in California. She met and married Bob who was serving in the US Army stationed in California. Norma and Bob moved to Jackson, TN in 1946 in order for him to work as a machinist at Dennison Machine Shop with his dad.

Norma was a commercial artist from 1946 to 1966, doing work for Kelly foods, Proctor and Gamble, Rosenbloom’s Fashion Store, and the Jackson Sun. In 1966, she had an opportunity to teach art and taught many students in her home until she was asked to teach at Jackson State where she thought art until 2003. During her years at Jackson State, she was also blessed with the opportunity to travel and teach in 49 states, Canada, and Mexico. She won many awards for her artwork and was able to use her talents to teach hundreds of people. While teaching she always gave glory and thanks to God, and she never hesitated to share her life of Jesus wherever she went. In addition to teaching she also served as a judge of local, state, and national art shows.

During her career, she was a member of Women in Arts (charter member and founder), Memphis and Germantown Art League, Jackson Art Association (co-founder), National Pen Women Association (state president), and Zeta Tau Alpha (national life member and she was featured on the cover of the national magazine).

She was a member of Calvary Baptist Church and Woodland Baptist Church in Jackson, and then First Baptist Church in Bemis. She taught ladies’ Sunday School for several years while at Calvary and Woodland.

Along with her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by her son, Robert Glenn Dennison; great grandson, Tyler Oliver; and also three sisters and one brother.

Norma is survived by her daughter, Laura Denise Dennison Jenkins and son, Manley Brent Dennison (Janet); her daughter in law, Carol Dennison; her five grandchildren, Keith Morrison, Tonia Jones (Cory), Melanie Oliver (Scott), Laura Bartos (Titus), and Megan Dennison; her seven great grandchildren, Anna Kate Jones, Ashlen Oliver, Sonia Bartos, Eva Bartos, David Bartos, Ezra Bartos, Julia Bartos; and a great, great granddaughter, Charlotte England; and two sisters.

A private graveside service will be held at Hollywood Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be directed to First Baptist Church of Bemis, 116 Bemis Lane, Jackson, TN 38301

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