Norma Davis Jones

Norma Davis Jones, age 86, of Orlando, Florida passed away on Sunday, January 9, 2022. Norma was born in Slocomb, Alabama on March 3, 1935. Norma graduated from Winter Park High School, Winter Park, Florida in 1953. She was married to Ralph Jones on December 11, 1954.

She is preceded in death by Parents, Edward and Alma Davis, Husband of 59 years, Ralph Jones, Sons Craig and Mark Jones, and Great-Grandson, Ethan Rodeghier.

Norma is survived by her son Keith Jones, Daughter in Law, Chris Jones; her sister Jeanette White(Ron).

Norma also leaves 6 Grandchildren, Tommy, Jennifer, and Bryan Jones, Kimberly Rodeghier, Jessyca Berzinis (AJ) and Rachel Jones.

6 Great-Grandchildren, Alia Tyler, Elijah and Evan Rodeghier, Parker and Brody Berzinis, and Lariyah Lancaster.

Norma enjoyed spending time in her summer home in Tuckasegee North Carolina. She was a loving Mother, Grandmother, and Great Grandmother who will be deeply missed.

A closed casket visitation for Norma will be held Saturday, January 22, 2022 from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM at Baldwin Fairchild Funeral Home, 994 E ALTAMONTE DR, ALTAMONTE SPRINGS, FL 32701. A graveside service will occur Sunday, January 23, 2022 from 2:00 PM to 2:30 PM at Glen Haven Memorial Park, 2300 TEMPLE DR, WINTER PARK, FL 32789.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Norma's memory may be made to Victory Baptist Church , 2758 Cedar Knoll Drive, Apopka, Florida 32712 US or to a charity of your choice.

Also...

From Eddie Wycoff

Class of 1953

Winter Park High School:

The Sunshine of Our Norma Jean

Here’s a real tough one. It is with regret, sadness, and deepest sorrow that I announce the loss of one of our most beloved 1953 classmates, Norma Jean Davis Jones. It is hard to capture, with words, exactly what she meant to us. We know her presence at our gatherings always created a special sparkle of happiness. She was unforgettable in all our hearts and a major contributor to our “happy days.”

To wife Pat a me, Norma was the quintessential Southern lady, with pride in her family, her Christian testimony, and in her colorful collection of hats. Perhaps, because she was such a honest person with an adoring personality, Norma could be hilariously funny. Some of us were especially blessed to have enjoyed overnight stays with Norma and Ralph at their second home in North Carolina. The perfect hostess, there was always a special sweetness, caring and charm.

With a gift for playful wit and self-putdowns, Norma was fun to be around—like sunshine. The guys in high school, in particular, loved her warm personality and company. Several of them later remembered her as an especially down-to-earth, genuine friend with whom they could trust and relate. But this teenager preferred dates to friends. Even into her golden years, she would teasingly joke, “Why didn’t you high school guys ever ask me out?”

Maybe boys figured dating her would ruin their friendship. She might have been so friendly and engaging that some guys felt intimidated. As one of the oldest in the Class, I am now allowed to report that Norma Jean did not know how pretty she really was. A close friend and early family neighbor, Buddy Hill, shared Norma’s first grade memories. He recently confessed “As just a kid in school, I simply did not have the good sense to ask Norma out.”

We now know the rest of the story: Norma eventually went to her senior prom with the captain of the football team. The American dream was restored.

Norma delighted us with her subtle wit and cute observations at our get-togethers and became one of the funniest in our Class. Her kids, too, said there was plenty of fun and laughter around their family dinner table, led by their beloved Nana. But behind her veneer of happiness, several of us knew that Norma endured devastating family tragedies with little complaint. Within a mere eleven year period, she lost two of her three grown sons, her husband Ralph, and a grandchild. Still, she was never without that warm smile or displays of love toward her family and friends.

On a lighter note, I attempted to be our emcee for the 40th Class of 1953 Reunion and was handing out the door prizes—many of which were strange and unusual. Helping me were two lovely ladies, Beth Ankney and Norma Jean--who had been close since early childhood. When together, they could become hysterically funny. As we prepared to award the winners, confusion arose about our prize name descriptions, which, for some, came across as being a bit risqué. When I tried to clarify, it got worse. Everything I said seemed to turn into something inappropriately funny. Everyone tried to suppress their giggles— especially me.

I looked to Beth and Norma for help, but the second I caught their eye, I went into breathless giggle-fits. Finally, our reunion ended up with everyone enjoying a dose of soul-cleansing laughter. It was one of those memorable moments in life where you felt completely disarmed. But it was also the joy of a lifetime--to become nearly overcome by a euphoria of amusement with the dearest of friends.

No, none of us will ever forget Norma Jean’s cheerful, sparkling eyes, radiant smile and caring heart. We know she is with her Lord Jesus. We’ve got a feeling the Lord will enjoy her company, as did we. We so loved her time with us. She was a beautiful person.