Norma J. Turos

Norma Jenell Turos passed from this life on July 29, 2013 in San Antonio at the age of 88. Norma was born in Nixon, Texas on December 21, 1924, the second youngest of ten children and the youngest daughter of Lenora and Collie Humble. Her family moved to Lubbock Street in San Antonio in 1928 where Norma was raised and from where she attended Knox Elementary School, Burbank Junior High, and Brackenridge High School. While in high school, she worked at Denny’s Bakery, and even as and elevator operator and candy striper volunteer at Nix Hospital. She also worked as a long-distance telephone operator for Southwestern Bell Telephone Company until her marriage. She then moved to New Jersey and worked as a sales clerk in a women’s dress shop. Upon her return to Texas, she worked as a sales clerk for Sommers Drug Store. Then while raising her two daughters, Norma worked for many years at Paul Anderson Office Supply Company in San Antonio.

In 1943, Norma met the love of her life, E. John Turos, an Army Air Corps test pilot stationed at Kelly Field in San Antonio. They were married in 1945 and happily celebrated their 68th wedding anniversary on April 27, 2013.

Norma was truly devoted to her family and her friends. She loved playing sports with her brothers, Weldon and Herman, who went on to successful athletic endeavors in football, basketball, and golf. She nurtured many life-long friendships, particularly with her very special friend Mary Moeller. She was a skilled seamstress who designed and created beautiful clothing for her daughters, sisters, nieces, granddaughter, and friends. Norma never missed an opportunity to cook a fabulous breakfast or dinner for her family, and always warmly welcomed visitors to the family’s home. She had a very gentle demeanor and constantly considered others well before herself. As a Girl Scout volunteer and leader, Norma devoted countless hours passing along her skills in arts and crafts to the next generation.

Norma’s nine siblings preceded her in death: Floy Caraway, Stowell Mercier, Lois Coleman, Hoit Humble, Berma Lindeman, Itha Dyal, Thelma Boswell, Weldon Humble, and Herman Humble.

Norma’s husband, E. John Turos of San Antonio, along with daughters Kim Turos Gilleland and her husband John of Berkeley, California, and Kay Turos Thomas and her husband Stephen of Austin, Texas, survive her. Also surviving are step-grandchildren Meredith Stanford of Lufkin, Texas; Gregory Thomas of Austin, Texas; David Gilleland of Half Moon Bay, California; and John Gilleland of San Diego, California; brother-in-law Robert Boswell of San Antonio; sisters-in-law, Marjorie Humble of San Antonio, Lottie Hatfield of Old Bridge, New Jersey, and Jean Turos of Ellicott City, Maryland; nephew, Willard Mercier and wife Betty of San Antonio; niece JoDell Mercier of San Antonio; niece, Debbie Kuehn and husband Wayne of Fair Oaks Ranch, Texas; nephew Scott Humble of Houston, Texas; niece Vivian Ellinger and husband Herbert of San Antonio, Texas; Bobby Dyal and wife Carol of Mason, Texas; niece Patty Fajkowski and husband Andy of Maryland; niece Kathy Burke and husband David of Maryland; niece Mary Ford and husband Dean of Maryland; nephew Edward Turos and wife Maria of Florida; nephew Billy Hatfield and wife Darla of New Jersey; nephew Bryan Hatfield and wife Cathy of New Jersey; and niece Lyn Shelters and husband Bert of New Jersey.

The family extends its sincere appreciation to VITAS Hospice Team 554, the staff at nurse’s station 229 at The Forum at Lincoln Heights, and to Dr. Melba Beine, M.D., for Norma’s comfort and care during her final days.

The immediate family will hold a private graveside service at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery in San Antonio.