Norma J Smith

Norma Jean was called home Thursday, 15 March 2018 after a long illness. She was born in Dickinson County, VA and raised in Southwest VA. She is the sixth of 11 children. Her family moved to Woodbridge, VA when she was 17. Norma graduated from Gar-Field High School class of 1956 and went to work at Fort Belvoir. She married Chester Smith of Dumfries, VA in 1958 and began a family; Chester Jr. (Chet), Ronald (Ron) and Donna. Norma stayed home, raised her children and worked in the family business for many years. She was kind hearted, keeping a warm and loving home where friends and family were always welcome and often congregated. Her early 50’s found her starting a new life, divorced and seeking employment, eventually landing at Toys R Us at Potomac Mills where she worked for several years. Norma’s greatest joy was spending time with her large and loving family that got together often to celebrate events and accomplishments. Her last years were spent in a nursing facility in Richmond, VA due to health reasons. Norma is predeceased by her parents Arthur & Nannie Patton, brothers Don, Bob, Clayton and sister-n-law Ada Patton. She is survived by; brothers Joe, Clyde (Pat), Sam (Doris), Bill (Barbara), Carl (Ann), Jerry (Kathryn), a sister Sue (Donald) and sister-n-laws Betty, Nina and Corina who she thought of as a second mother; three children Chet (Drecilla), Ron ( Karen), Donna (Eric); five grandchildren, five great-grandchildren (with number 6 on the way) and more nieces, nephews, and cousins than we can count. Although we will miss her dearly, we are happy she is now free of pain and suffering. The family wishes to thank the long list of hospital staff and care givers (in Stafford, Fredericksburg and Richmond), relatives and friends who gave their time and efforts in helping Norma. In lieu of flowers the family asks those who wish to do so, donate to the charity of their choice in Norma’s name.