Norma Jean Phelps

Born June 19, 1936 in Canton to Dwayne and Wanetta (Westerfield) Vaughn, she married Elmer Phelps. They later divorced.

Surviving are her children, Douglas Phelps of Spokane, Washington, Barbara Tribe of East Peoria, Gregory (Cheryl) Phelps and Clayton (Jessika Fransiska Siregar) Phelps, both of Glasford and Lenord Phelps of East Peoria; 16 grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; five great-great-grandchildren; two brothers, Donald Vaughn and Ronald Vaughn and her brother-in-law, David Hardesty, all of Canton.

She was preceded in death by her parents; one sister, Betty Lou Hardesty in 2005; one son-in-law, Rusty Tribe in 2015 and her daughter-in-law, Peggy Phelps in 2021.

The Wilcoxen family, (Richard and Donna, who are now deceased) and their children, Scott and Nancy were considered to be family. They stuck by Norma through some very difficult times.

Norma cherished her time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. They were her pride and joy, as she enjoyed making pancakes and milkshakes for them. Crafts, dress up clothes, games and Nintendo sets were also plentiful at her house for all of them.

She never missed a birthday, she made everyone feel like family. She also fed anyone that walked in the door and always gave generously, even if she had nothing. Big family gatherings with lots of homemade food was her specialty.

Norma was faithful in prayer and her Bible study. It was important for her to make sure that everyone knew that Jesus died for us and that we had accepted Him as our Savior. She taught Sunday school at Averyville Baptist Church in East Peoria for several years.

Raising five children by herself required hard work. Her main jobs included, cooking at East Peoria Schools and at Methodist Hospital in Peoria. She had also worked delivering bakery items, janitorial jobs, delivering phone books and helping all her kids with their paper routes for many years.

Norma had formerly served as PTA President, a den mother, and her children’s 4-H Leader. She also was the softball league concession stand manager and enjoyed attending her children’s school band concerts.

Her organizational skills were superior. The family is eternally grateful that she pushed each of them to excel to the bet of their abilities.

Per Norma’s wishes, there will no services and a gathering celebrating her life will be at a later date. Cremation has been accorded by Preston-Hanley Funeral Homes & Crematory in Creve Coeur.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given to OSF Richard L. Owens Hospice Home, 8630 IL Route 91, Peoria, Illinois 61615 or to the gospel church of donor’s choice.

To express condolences online, visit www.preston-hanley.com