Norma "Sue" Shirley

Norma "Sue" Shirley, 87, passed away on March 25, 2023, in Norman, OK.

Norma was born on February 7, 1936 in Hinton, OK, a third generation only child to Ruby and John Bright.

Norma graduated from Carter High school in 1943 and went on to earn a Bachelors Degree in Education from South Western Oklahoma College. She started her career as an English Teacher and went on to work as an educator for 31 years. She started her career in Mangum, Oklahoma teaching Sophomore English. Her husband, James "Jim", was in the Air Force, and she was able to teach across the country in many places, such as Bangor, Maine, and Travis Air Force base in California. Upon retirement from the military life, she finished her teaching career in Elk City, Oklahoma.

While in Mangum, Tom Shirley introduced her to his older brother James. Norma and James fell in love instantly. Norma married James Shirley on July 19, 1957 in Carter, Oklahoma. The couple was blessed with one daughter, Deborah Lynn. In addition to being a mother, she adored being Nana to her two granddaughters, Randa and Jamie, and especially her twin great granddaughters,Charlotte and Caroline. She raised her girls to be strong and independent, and instilled in them that there was nothing they couldn't do.

Norma was a member of the Western Oklahoma Historical Society, where she and Jim were inducted into the Hall of Fame, Order of Eastern Star, and Oklahoma Retired Teachers.

Norma was best known for her love of the St. Louis Cardinals baseball team and never wanted to miss a game when she could find them playing on television. She was really excited when her family surprised her with a trip to see them play.

Norma was a woman of great faith and lived life accordingly as a member of the Elk City United Methodist Church. She attended the Faith Sunday School Class, was a member of the Chancel Choir for many years, and a member of the United Methodist Women. Norma and Jim volunteered for many years at the United Methodist Church Thrift Shop.

After James passed away, she found companionship with Dale Newton and they shared six wonderful years together.

Norma is survived by her daughter Debbie Turner and husband Mike; granddaughter Randa Orquiz and husband Mike; granddaughter Jamie Gay and husband Cliff; granddaughter Jammie Canfield; granddaughter Kristal Wlliams and husband Charles; granddaughter Michelle Collum; grandson Nathanial Frederick and wife Chandice; great grandchildren Collin, Catherine, Charlotte and Caroline; nieces Sheryl Shirley and Micala Finly; nephew Michael Shirley; and stepson Roger Newton.

Norma is preceded in death by her parents Ruby and John Bright; husband James Shirley; brother-in-law Tom Shirley; companion Dale Newton; and great grandson Andrew Sharpton.