Norma Jo (Burgess) Kirk

Norma Jo (Burgess) Kirk 82, went home to be with the Lord April 5, 2026 in Tahlequah, Oklahoma known to her family as Nannie. She was born September 9, 1943 in Tahlequah, Oklahoma, a daughter to the late Latte and Bessie (York) Burgess.

Norma attended Bacon College and graduated with her Associates degree as a Registered Nurse in 1976. She went on to serve those in need, working in ICU and later in Home Health before retiring from Tahlequah City Hospital.

Norma lived a very full life. She had a deep devotion to her family. She had a heart full of love and compassion for her children and grandchildren. She was a faithful member of Park Hill Baptist Church. Norma along with Bill had the opportunity to travel to several countries. They helped build a church in Africa, take an Alaskan cruise and visit the rose gardens in Victoria, Canada. They kept the seas hot with multiple cruises along with her sisters.

She had many hobbies to include deep sea fishing, taking the pontoon out to catch crappie, and camping on Lake Tenkiller. As life slowed down for Norma, she enjoyed reading Amish stories. Norma moved from Tahlequah to Park Hill in the late spring of 2025. She was proud of her little new house and excited to live so close to Steve and his family. She shared that excitement freely with anyone who would listen. Standing on the land just behind where her childhood home once stood, she felt as though she had finally come back home.

In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her first husband, Jake Nelson, second husband Billy “Bill” Kirk, 4 sisters, Rachel Smith, Margaret Jackson, Imogene (Frosty) Stratton and Cathy Burgess.

Sadly, she leaves behind one son, Steve Nelson, wife Sarena of Park Hill, one daughter Kathy Loepp, husband Jason of Fort Gibson; 3 grandchildren, Joe Nelson of Park Hill, Stefani Nunez, spouse Robby of Pryor, Connor Loepp of Fort Gibson and her special nephew Herman Augerhole, wife Janet of Tahlequah.

Norma touched the lives of everyone who had the honor of knowing her. Her selflessness, warmth, and generous spirit will be remembered forever. She leaves behind a legacy of love, strength, and compassion that lives on in all of us.

A time of visitation will be held for Norma on Thursday, April 9, 2026 from 4:00pm until 7:00pm at Reed-Culver Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held on Friday, April 10, 2026 at 1:00pm at Park Hill Baptist Church with Pastor John Lee officiating. She will be laid to rest at Tahlequah City Cemetery.

Serving as pallbearers include Hamid Vahdatipour, Brian Chojnacki, Gary Rogers, David Rittenhouse, John Moles, and Louis Montano. Honorary pallbearers include Dwight Cornell, Joe Nelson, Herman Augerhole, and the Mix Seekers Sunday School Class.