Norbalene graduated from Groveton High School in Groveton, TX in 1955. She was married to Travis Lee Holtzclaw on December 8, 1956. They were married for 67 years. Beloved wife, mother, grand and great grandmother, Norbalene always made sure her family was taken care of. You could find her in the kitchen majority of the time cooking and baking “love” for her family. Lavish spreads of homecooked meals were an everyday expression of her family devotion. From making Mac N Cheese for the grandkids, to the blueberry pies, pecan pies and coconut cakes for the rest of the family. Cooking was her love language. Her house was the grand central hub for holidays and special gatherings. Their beloved home in Greenwood was the destination for countless easter egg hunts, hide and seek games, backyard barbeques, and wanderings in the woods. Norbalene had a way of creating warm and magical places for her grandkids. She had a passion for collecting quilts, dolls, and knick-knacks from all over the world. She was known for her soft skin and perfect complexion. Lotion bottles could be found on every side table in the house, from the kitchen to the back bedroom. Her favorite pastimes included dominos, cards, and traveling with friends.
Norbalene enjoyed working at Schumpert Medical Center for 14 years. Before this, her love for reading lead her to work for several years at the Historic Forbing Library, known to many in Southeast Shreveport as the Log Cabin Library. In addition, she was an active member of her church, Central Assembly of God, where she faithfully served on the prayer chain ministry for many years.
She was preceded in death by her loving and doting husband, Travis Lee Holtzclaw and her parents, John Norbert Swint and Bernice Elisabeth Wilkins Swint.
Norbalene is survived by her son Lee Holtzclaw and wife Susan, daughters, Teresa Flake and husband Larry, Janet Roberts and husband Mike; grandchildren, Leanna Bailey and husband Chase, Chelsea Boswell and husband Ben, Lauren Flake, Kristen Flake, Jordyn Josey and husband Caleb, Daniel Veuleman, Jennifer King and husband Brad; great grandchildren, Grayson Bailey, Gabriella Ball and Beckett King; and sister, Janet Sue Heslep and husband Harold, as well many nieces, nephews and friends.
Pallbearers will be Daniel Veuleman, Chris Benge, Chase Bailey, Ben Boswell, Caleb Josey, Brad King and Bernie Flake.
The family would like to thank the staff at Old Brownlee Community Care Center for their love, devotion and compassionate care. It truly made a difference. A special thank you to the staff at St. Joseph Hospice along with the church family at Central Assembly of God in Haughton.
A visitation for Norbalene will be held Thursday, July 27, 2023 from 10:00 AM until time of Celebration of Life service at 11:00 AM in the chapel of Hill Crest Memorial Funeral Home, 601 Hwy 80, Haughton, Louisiana 71037. Interment will immediately follow on the ground of Hill Crest Memorial Park, 601 Hwy 80, Haughton, Louisiana 71037.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.HillCrestMemorialFH.com for the Holtzclaw family.
