Joanne Norman

JoAnne Marie Norman was born on May 23, 1931 in Alpena, South Dakota.  She was the youngest of four children born to Everett and Fannie McWilliams.  She departed this life peacefully at her home south of Whitney, Nebraska on February 14, 2019 at the age of 87.

JoAnne lived with her family in South Dakota and Kansas before moving to Crawford, Nebraska in 1942.  There she would go on to graduate from Crawford High School.  In November of 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 of 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, Nebraska.  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” and they will greatly miss their days with her.

She is survived by her 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.

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.