Norma Lee Jolly

1927 - 2021

Norma Lee Jolly

Alexandria - Norma Lee Cann Jolly, 93, passed away from COVID-19 in Alexandria, Kentucky on January 12, 2021. Born on May 12, 1927 to Warren Cornelius and Annabelle Cann, Norma was the last remaining of 10 children. In 1949 she married Gordon B. Jolly, now deceased. They had two children. Norma began teaching at A. J. Jolly School in California Kentucky with nine hours of college credits from Morehead State Teacher's College. She continued her education while teaching and raising her family. Norma received her BS and Masters in Education degrees from the University of Cincinnati and a Rank One Educational Certification from Northern Kentucky University. She taught elementary education for 50 years including tenures at A. J. Jolly, Alexandria Elementary and at A.D. Owens in Newport, Kentucky. Norma taught over 1000 children how to read. Norma was a member of the First Baptist Church of Fort Thomas. She was a Sunday school teacher for many years at Cold Spring Baptist Church. In her retirement she joined the Fort Thomas Women's Club and a missionary group at her church. Because of her love of reading, she kept an extensive library in her home. She also had a music room because she loved music and enjoyed playing the piano. She always had a piano in her classroom. Norma sang in choirs and with the May Festival Chorus and with the Glee Club at The Seasons. She always had a song, usually a hymn, in her heart. Her historic home on South Fort Thomas Avenue became a gathering place for the celebrations of her large extended family and friends. Norma developed Alzheimer's and spent her final years residing at The Seasons @Alexandria where she received wonderful care from their professional and dedicated staff. Norma was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Gordon Jolly, her son Paul Richard Jolly and her nine brothers and sisters: Gladys (Jake) Cummins, Gerald (Velma) Cann, Ralph Cann, William (Lora) Cann, Mildred (Lee) Norris, Mabel (Lloyd) Jones, Octavia (Axel Stone, Otis) Jenkins, Lillian (Roger) Rittinger, and Dale Eugene (Francis, surviving) Cann. She is survived by her daughter, Linda Lee Jolly (Diana M. Vogt), and many nieces and nephews, spanning three generations. Due to the pandemic a private graveside service will be held. A celebration of life memorial will be scheduled at a later date. To honor Norma's life-long passion of helping children, please consider memorial donations to Dolly Parton's Imagination Library c/o Dolly Parton Foundation 111 Dollywood Ln. Pigeon Forge, TN 37863.Funeral arrangements entrusted to the Alexandria Funeral Home, Alexandria, KY. Online condolences can be given at alexandriafh.com