Lena Frances Norris

It is with deep sorrow and much love that we mourn the passing of Lena Frances Norris of Jacksonville, MO on October 4th, 2023 at the age of 91.

Lena will be lovingly remembered by daughter, Jane Ann Norris, of Jacksonville, MO, grandchildren James Norris of TX; Susan Norris (Justin) Schlageter of CA; Brandy Norris Sam of NV; Nicole Norris (Brant) Boling of WA; Christopher (Jessica Johnson) Norris of MO; Eric Beaman of CA; Ryan (Amber) Beaman of MO, 11 great grandchildren, a sister Anna B Franklin of MO, five nieces, one nephew, several great nieces and nephews, as well as many great-great nieces and nephews.

Lena was born on October 12,1931 in Jacksonville, MO to George and Opal Cromwell. She attended grade school in Jacksonville and graduated from Macon High in 1949. In 1952, she graduated as an RN from St. Mary’s School of Nursing in Quincy IL and was a pediatric nurse at the Quincy Clinic.

Lena married Robert L. Norris in Springfield, IL, on November 24,1951. They were married 67 years and had two children. The family relocated to IA, MO, and CA with the couple eventually making their way to NC before returning to MO in their final years. Lena enjoyed time with her family, especially her grandchildren and great grandchildren. She was a member of the Jacksonville Cairo Unity Church from 1934 until her passing.

Lena was preceded in death by her husband Robert L. Norris Sr., son Robert L. Norris Jr., parents George and Opal Cromwell, grandparents William and Annie Cromwell, and Edgar and Lena Ellis, five brother-in-laws, two sister-in-laws, a niece and a great nephew.

A memorial service officiated by pastor Cody Demint will be held Friday, November 10, 2023 at 11:30 am at the Jacksonville Church with a luncheon to follow. The family will have a private interment at the Missouri Veterans Cemetery in Jacksonville at a later date.