Norma Jean Hughes Gillam

Norma was the youngest child born to Dr. Arrie E. Hughes and Elna McDade Hughes. Born and raised in Dallas, Texas, she was an excellent student at St Peter's Academy - so gentle and soft-spoken at times, the nuns could not always hear her - and yet so discernibly smart, she graduated from high school at the age of 14. After completing undergraduate studies at Wiley College, she earned a master's degree from Columbia University. In the summer of 1956, Norma met Isaac T. Gillam, IV, a handsome Air Force officer and pilot who served in the Korean War. They fell in love and married.

We know no one as wise, loving, and compassionate as our mother, Norma. Her infectious love nourished us all. Her generosity earned her the nickname, Tipper. So kind, caring, and patient, friends would share that in their over 50-year friendship, there was never a cross word. She was upbeat and fun with a great sense of humor. She made friends everywhere she went. That was Norma. She loved people and they loved her.

She leaves her husband, Isaac, and a legacy of human beings who would not be here today if not for her, including 4 children, Michael, Teri (Nathan Forte), Traci (Kyle Evans), and Kelli; 4 grandchildren, Tasha, Brandi (Paul Mason), William (Carl Lyon), Nathaniel, and 4 great-grandchildren, Jadae, PJ, Kaylei, and Cassidi; plus, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. We will miss her tremendously. We know how lucky we were to have had her for 91 years and in relatively good health. We like to imagine that she is reunited with her mother, father, and brothers, and that together they are with beloved extended family and friends, leaving the light on for the rest of us. Rest in peace, Norma Jean. Yours was a life well-lived.

March 11, 1931 - September 22, 2022