Norma Jean Smith Walton

1934 - 2023

Norma Jean Smith Walton

January 10, 1934 - November 5, 2023

Lexington, Kentucky - Walton, Norma Smith passed away on November 5, 2023 in the presence of her loving daughters. Norma was born in Lexington Kentucky on January 10, 1934 to James and Celesta Smith. Norma grew up in Lexington and graduated from Lafayette High School. She married her late husband, Roy Gaines Walton, shortly after she graduated from Lafayette High School. Norma and Roy moved to Morehead, Kentucky where she worked in the business office of Morehead State University, and he attended school and played on the football team. While at Morehead, she developed accounting and business skills later utilized as she and Roy built their real estate and rental property business. She gracefully

oversaw the demanding operational aspects of their business while at the same time being a fully involved stay-at-home mom. Norma was a devoted and loving wife, sister, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother. As a mother and a wife, Norma exemplified selflessness and love for others in everything

she did. Whether it was sewing costumes for a dance recital or a costume for Halloween, attending all her daughters' activities and all the football games coached by her husband; she always placed others' needs before her own. She was the perfect example of what it means to live your life for others and not oneself. Norma loved to read. However, despite her love of reading she rarely had time to relax and enjoy a good book. She was too busy doing for others and ensuring that the spotlight was never on herself, but on those around her. Her joy was derived from seeing the spotlight shine on those she loved. She was her husband Roy's number one fan, and he often commented about what a strong woman she was. In all of his years of coaching she never missed a game or function. She was endlessly supportive to her daughters and a devoted follower of Christ. She often volunteered at school and church and also enjoyed serving as a precinct election officer. While Norma was a humble and compassionate person her toughness cannot be understated. No obstacle or challenge was greater than her quiet, steady resiliency. She always held true to the phrase she often used, "we do what we have to do!" She sacrificed

not because she should, but because she loved, and she loved with her whole heart. Norma is survived by her daughters Deborah Walton Burke (David) and Kathryn Ann Walton, and by her six grandchildren David Burke Jr., Brittany Niehaus (Donnie), Kelcie Bond (Tanner), Samantha Frederick (Collin), Peyton Burke, and Ally Walton. She is also survived by her seven great grandchildren.

It is not possible to describe our love, respect, and gratitude for Norma. The impact she has had on those she loved cannot be expressed in words. There is comfort in knowing she has been reunited in her Heavenly home with Roy. We will miss her endlessly until the day we are all welcomed into God's presence with her. We hope she is relaxing with a good book and experiencing the joy of "just being." We also hope she is tolerating the spotlight she has

so rightfully earned. Debbie and Kathy express their immense gratitude to the wonderful angels (you know who you are) that so lovingly helped with Mom's care. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions be made to the Roy G. Walton Scholarship Foundation, Inc., P.O. Box

24771, Lexington, Kentucky 40524-4771. Visitation is at Kerr Brothers on Harrodsburg Road, Thursday November 9, 11:30-1:30, service at 1:30 with burial immediately following at the Lexington Cemetery.