Norma Thompson Hopper

Norma Thompson Hopper, 79, of Glen Allen died Monday, March 3, 2014. She was preceded in death by daughters, Kathy Wright and Sandy Patton; son in law, Michael Vitale; and grandson, Bryan Vitale. She is survived by her husband, Alvis Hopper; three children, Susan Vitale (Richard Weber), Ronald Bryan, Jr., Sheri Swartwood (Shane); grandchildren, April Vitale, Erin Phillips (Brian), Bryan and Niklaus Swartwood, Stuart Hopper, Jason Patton; also five great-grandchildren; a sister, Frances Cook (Sam); and a special nephew, Sam Plott.

Norma was born to James and Lillian Thompson in Salem, Va.; attended Jefferson High School in Roanoke; was the first Miss Roanoke in 1954 and participated in the Miss Virginia Pageant. She was an accomplished dancer and taught at Arthur Murray Studios in Roanoke; was an active member of Ashland Presbyterian Church; she had a long and caring career in the medical field. She was a member of First Baptist Church in Richmond and the Buddy Hamilton Sunday School Class. She never lost faith through her battle with cancer, knowing Heaven was just a heartbeat away. She will be missed by all who had the opportunity to know and love her.

The family will receive friends 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday at the Parham Chapel, Woody Funeral Home, 1771 N. Parham Rd. A funeral service will be conducted 1 p.m. Friday in the Sanctuary of First Baptist Church. Interment in Westhampton Memorial Park Mausoleum. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to First Baptist Church for the Community Missions Program.