Norma L. Turman

1929 - 2023

NORMA L. TURMAN

1929 2023

Norma L. Houchin was born on February 15, 1929, in Barboursville, WV. She was the sixth of seven children born to Inez Grace and Okey Worth Houchin. She grew up on the family farm in Little Seven Mile Holler wherein she went to school, worked hard on the farm, and grew strong bonds with each of her siblings; these bonds of love would last for their entire lifetimes. On May 8, 1947, she married her high school sweetheart Jack E. Turman in a failed elopement attempt both of their fathers learned of their plans and were waiting for them at a church in Kentucky. They could not get married in West Virginia as they did not meet the state's age requirement for marriage. When Jack graduated from the University of Kentucky in 1952, they moved to Bakersfield, California. She was a dedicated wife to Jack across their 69 years of marriage, which came to an end when Jack passed away in 2016. They worked together to build the family business, raise their two children, stay connected to their extended families, throw great parties, dance many times to Hoagy Carmichael's Stardust, travel the world, and enjoy many lovely happy hours together with a glass of wine. While dedicated to her marriage, Norma retained her voice, opinions and strength, characteristics nurtured by her upbringing and hard work ethic.

Jack and Norma grew their family with the birth of their first-born son, Jeff S. Turman, in 1954, and with the birth of their second son, Jack E. Turman, Jr., in 1960. She was a dedicated mother to her sons, nurturing them and always working to make their lives special, yet all the while also expecting them to grow into respectful and honorable men who respected and dignified women. She always felt blessed to have two wonderful daughters-in-law: JoAnne Koelzer Turman (wife of Jeff) and Janet Miyashiro Turman (wife of Jack Jr.). She rejoiced over the births and loved watching the growth of her five grandchildren Michael, Kara, and Megan (children of Jeff and JoAnne), and Jack III and James (children of Jack and Janet). She loved spoiling and loving on these grandchildren and sharing her strong spirit with them. She made sure to make birthdays, Christmases, and Easters special occasions for all her children and grandchildren. She extended this love to her eight great-grandchildren Reese and Braden (children of Michael Turman), Kyleigh, Bodin, and Kennedy (children of Kara Turman), and Ronnie, Cannon, and Evan (children of Megan Turman).

Norma was preceded in death by her parents, her six siblings, her beloved husband, and her daughter-in-law JoAnne Turman. She is survived in death by her two sons, daughter-in-law Janet Miyashiro Turman, five grandchildren, and eight great-grandchildren.

As we reflect on her 94 years of life, we remember: Norma's love of family and generous spirit to family and friends, her strong will, her grand, great, fun parties, her elaborate home decorations to make each holiday special and magical, her love of Maui sunsets, her deep faith, and warm, tender hugs.

Norma will be buried next to her husband, and near her siblings and parents at Greenlawn Memorial Park Northeast and will be remembered with a private, family graveside service.

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