Thelma Lorean Norris

98, of Indianapolis, formerly of Sandborn, IN, went to be with her Lord on September 6, 2012. Thelma was born July 16, 1914, in rural Sullivan County, Indiana, to Sherman Cornelius Willis and Matilda Lucy (Deckard) Willis. Thelma graduated from Dugger High School, IN, and married Paul Kymmis Norris on February 24, 1935. Thelma and husband, Paul, moved to Sandborn in 1935 as newlyweds. While at Sandborn, they were members of the United Methodist Church, raised four sons, contributed to the community and church in numerous ways including working in county fair stands to help fund a new church building after the old one burned. In 1964, husband Paul died and Thelma began working outside the home first as a housemother at Vincennes University, and later as a teacher�s aide in the North Knox school system. She had a real knack for Mothering. She was a wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, great-great-grandmother, house mother and Cub Scout den mother. Her home was always a welcome place and she kept meals ready to prepare at a moment�s notice. She always put the needs of others ahead of herself. Thelma had a great propensity for crocheting, and completed hundreds of afghans and thousands of dishcloths and scarves. In the later years in Indianapolis, she remained fairly independent because of the caring support of family, especially granddaughter, Mrs. Julie Stevens, and husband Garry, who became her primary caregivers. She leaves behind a large Christian family who will miss her but who will also celebrate her new life in Heaven. Thelma was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Paul, her eldest son, Kenneth; and three brothers, Cecil, Donald and Sherman Willis. Thelma is survived by Lois Norris, widow of son, Kenneth Norris; her sons, Alfred (Brenda) Norris of Ellettsville, IN, Dale (Laura) Norris, of Mira Loma, CA, and Steven (Nancy) Norris, of Washington, IN; 15 grandchildren; 34 great-grandchildren; and 15 great-great-grandchildren.Visitation will be Wednesday, September 12, 2012 from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service at 11:00 a.m. at Good Shepherd United Methodist Church, 2015 S. Arlington Ave., Indianapolis, IN, 46219. Burial will be at Sandborn Cemetery at 4:00 p.m. Memorial contributions may be made to Sandborn United Methodist Church, 207 Vine St., Sandborn, IN, 47578 and/or Good Shepherd United Methodist Church. Arrangements are entrusted to Shirley Brothers Washington Memorial Chapel.

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Thelma Lorean Norris

July 16, 1914 - September 6, 2012