02/22/2019 - JoAnne Marie Norman

A Celebration for the life of JoAnne Marie Norman, age 87, of Whitney, NE will be at 10:30 AM on Friday, February 22, 2019 at the United Methodist Church in Whitney, NE with Pastor Tim McCrary officiating.

Inurnment and scattering of her ashes by the family will take place at a later date.  

A memorial has been established for the Whitney Methodist Church or the Chadron Home Health and Hospice. Donations may be sent to Chamberlain Chapel, PO Box 970, Chadron, NE 69337.

Online condolences can be made at www.chamberlainchapel.com.

JoAnne was born on May 23, 1931 in Alpena, SD. She was the youngest of four children born to Everett and Fannie McWilliams. She departed this life peacefully at her home south of Whitney, NE on February 14, 2019.

JoAnne lived with her family in South Dakota and Kansas before moving to Crawford, NE in 1942. There she went on to graduate from Crawford High School. In November 1948, she met the love of her life, Jacque Harry Norman, at a basketball game, with the couple’s first date not being planned until Valentine’s Day 1949. Jacque was late, but he showed up with a bouquet of flowers and a box of chocolates, so she decided to still go out with him. They were later married on June 30, 1949 and spent the entire rest of their lives on their ranch south of Whitney, NE. There they raised two children, Mac Harry Norman and Muffy Norman Gregg. Jacque and JoAnne were married for 64 years.

JoAnne loved her family and activities with her friends, which included time at the lake, water skiing, bowling, bridge club, and a good scrabble game. Her home was always open with love to all who stopped by, and she always dressed sharp, even if it was just to town for some groceries. Papa Jacque always called her “the pick of the litter.” She attended many sporting events of her kids and later grandkids and always enjoyed a good horse race. She dearly loved her husband, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren who lovingly and devotedly called her “GRANNY.” They will greatly miss their days with her.

She is survived by daughter Muffy (Bob) Gregg of Lorenzo, NE, 10 grandchildren, and 29 great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her father and mother, husband Jacque, son Mac, sisters Shirley and Phyllis, and brother Harley. 

Chamberlain Chapel of Chadron is in charge of arrangements for JoAnne Marie Norman.