Norma Dean (Demps) Brown

Norma Dean was born on February 4, 1950, in Taylor, Texas, to Wesley and Ruthie Tanksley Demps. She was lovingly raised by her uncle Roy, his wife and eldest sister. She received her education in the Taylor School District.

She embraced motherhood raising her children with grace and tenderness, shaping her children’s lives with patience, wisdom, and unconditional love. Balancing this role helped shape her into a resilient, nurturing woman who gave selflessly and loved deeply. Those early experiences defined her character becoming resourceful, compassionate, and unwavering in her commitment to family. In addition to raising her own children, she also was an aunt, offering care, guidance, and support to her nieces and nephews. They all knew that they could count on Aunt Dean.

Norma worked for many years at Travis State School and later with the Austin Independent School District, where she served with dedication until retirement. Before retiring, she embraced her greatest role being a full-time grandmother. Her bonding moments with her grandchildren included cooking their favorite meals and playing card games; matching & pitty-pat, plus playing bingo traditions, she proudly passed on to her great-grandchildren. Norma was a very active and present grandmother, faithfully showing up for her “grandbabies” at school lunches, assemblies, plays, sports events, and any extracurricular activities.

Giving was second nature to her; she gladly helped others without hesitation, no matter what the request. She especially loved the arrival of spring and summer, when she could fire up the pit for a good BBQ. She enjoyed playing bingo and was a passionate University of Texas football fan.

Above all, Norma was a devoted mother, granny, great-granny, auntie, and sister. Her life was rich with memories made through quality time spent with her family and all who visited her. She found joy in cooking, hosting, sitting outside, watching NBA and NFL games, as well as her favorite show, Family Feud.

She was preceded in death by her children, Ruben and Michelle Demps; her parents; her maternal and paternal grandparents; her beloved sisters Barbara Brown (best friend), Joyce Carter and Debra DuBose; and her brothers William, Melvin, Leroy, Harold, Lawrence, and Earl Demps.

Norma leaves behind a legacy of love and cherished memories in the hearts of her children Wesley Brown (Tamika), Keisha Brown, and Tanya Brown (Markeith); her grandchildren and great-grandchildren; her brother George Demps; her sisters Ardia Hardeman, Laverne Patterson, Wesley Griffin, and Lovie Demps; her special sister Ruby Carrington; and her aunts Jo McCowan and Loyce Green. She is also remembered by a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and many friends.

Norma Dean’s life was one of kindness, devotion, and unwavering love—a legacy that will continue to live on through all who knew her.