Peggy J Norman

November 22, 1931 – September 21, 2025

Peggy Jean Willoughby Norman passed peacefully into the presence of the Lord on Sunday, September 21, 2025, at the age of 93.

She was born at home on November 22, 1931, in Birmingham, Alabama, to Rueben J. and Dollie Willoughby. Peggy attended Birmingham public schools and completed her studies at Inglenook High School.

She met and married the love of her life, Leland C. Norman. When Leland was called to serve in the Korean War, Peggy remained close to family, living in an Airstream trailer in her parents’ backyard — caring for their firstborn, Leland Jr., while awaiting her husband’s return. After the war, the couple moved to Tuscaloosa, where Leland attended the University of Alabama, and Peggy, ever the steady hand, held down the fort with two young sons in tow.

In 1959, the family moved to Texas, where their daughter Melanie was born. In 1976, Peggy and Leland settled in Garrison, Texas, where they retired and built a life together on the Rocking N Ranch. After Leland’s passing in 1991, Peggy remained on the ranch, running it with strength, grace, and an unwavering sense of purpose.

Known affectionately as “Granny,” Peggy was a wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and great-great-grandmother. Born during the Great Depression, she was frugal, resourceful, and remarkably creative. She had a lifelong love for sewing — always crafting comfortable shift dresses from sale-bin fabrics, filling her closet with color and practicality.

Her artistic spirit blossomed in her later years as she took up oil painting and pastels, transforming her home into a gallery of her own making. She had a knack for finding small wonders, like four-leaf clovers on the ranch, which she pressed into albums as keepsakes. She even laminated newspaper comics and puzzles to amuse her grandchildren — always thoughtful, always giving.

A devoted member of Holly Springs Baptist Church, Peggy lived out her faith with joy and generosity. Whether she was at church, Walmart, or the dollar store, she made friends wherever she went. Her wit, warmth, and radiant smile made people feel seen, heard, and loved.

Even as her health declined, Granny kept giving. One especially poignant moment came when the family gathered to bury a beloved dog. Though frail, Granny walked slowly down the road toward the pet cemetery, wearing her shift dress and clutching it at the waist. When she arrived, she opened the folds of her dress to reveal it was full of flower petals, which she gently scattered on the grave. It was a simple act of love that none will forget.

She loved deeply and was deeply loved — and in the end, that is the legacy she leaves behind.

Peggy is survived by her three children: Leland C. Norman, Jr.; David G. Norman, Sr. (Karen); and Melanie J. Hoy. She is also survived by her beloved grandchildren:

William C. Norman (Caroline), Stephanie Cooper, Jessica MacDonald (Danial), David G. Norman, Jr. (Krista), Clayton Norman (Katie), Autumn Stratton (Noah), Kailee Smith (Mitch), Kristen Ammons (Garrett), Shannon Baker Hoy (Joe), Kendall Brown (Aaron), and Shake Hoy-Smith (McKinley);

Numerous great-grandchildren, one great-great-grandchild, and many beloved nieces and nephews also carry on her legacy of love.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Leland C. Norman, Sr.; her parents Rueben and Dollie Willoughby; and her siblings Jack, Dave, Don, Ruby, Dolly, Violet, Gloria, Faye, and Ann.

Visitation will be from 9:00-10:00 am with the funeral service following on Wednesday October 1, 2025 at Holly Springs Baptist Church, with Drs Clint Williams and David G. Norman, Jr officiating.

Interment will follow at 12 Noon at Sunset Memorial Park, 5127 North Street, Nacogdoches, Texas.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Peggy Norman’s honor may be made to:

Holly Springs Baptist Church

16928 US Hwy 59

Garrison, Texas 75946

Please visit Peggy Norman’s online memorial at https://www.dignitymemorial.com/funeral-homes/texas/nacogdoches/cason-monk-metcalf-funeral-directors/1787 to share memories, words of comfort, and condolences with the family.

The arrangements under the direction of Cason Monk - Metcalf Funeral Directors.