Norma Neal Mathews

A beautiful woman inside and out, Norma June Mathews, age 91, of Mansfield, passed away peacefully on Thursday, November 21, 2024, at Arbors at Mifflin, surrounded by prayers. Norma lived a full and beautiful life devoted to faith, family, and friends. She was the last of 13 siblings and often spoke fondly of her lively childhood. When she joined her heavenly home on Thursday, there was undoubtedly a joyful reunion with her siblings (Richard, Paul, Jim, Ted, Robert, Dean, Jack, Emmett, Nira, Martha, Margaret, and Jane), her parents, her husbands (Harley Neal, Jr. and Walt Mathews), her daughter (Robin Lea Brown, who passed away in 2011), stillborn twin daughters, and a grandson (Richard Fitzgerald).
Born on August 6, 1933, in Mansfield, Ohio, Norma was the daughter of Major and Ruth (Stover) Robertson and arrived with her twin Nira. She graduated from Mansfield Senior High with the class of 1952 where she was proud to be a majorette. She furthered her education at Dayton Bible College, where she deepened her faith and cultivated a love for serving others.
Norma is survived by her children and their spouses, Debbie & Doug Gadfield of Mansfield, OH; Harley & Pamela Neal, III of Mansfield, OH; Harlan & Barbara Neal of Mansfield, OH; and Richard & Elizabeth Neal of Jacksonville, FL, as well as Walt's children, Jeff Mathews of Orlando, FL, and Julie & Aaron Moses of Columbus, OH. Her legacy of love continues through her 18 grandchildren Chris & Greta Gadfield, Chad Gadfield, Brenna Haskin (Chris Wilging), Phil Barber, Brent Barber, Timothy Fitzgerald, Stephanie Fitzgerald, Jason & Angie Ward, Amber & Dennis Sowders, Joshua & Tina Neal, Jeremy & Teresa Neal, Kristen Carroll, Maleesa & Aaron Warner, Tanna & Cody Kerr, Taryn Fraley, Kelsey & Karl Finley, Justin & Kristine Neal, and Kyler Moses, over 30 great-grandchildren, and even a great-great-grandchild she was blessed to meet-an ever-growing family that brought her endless pride and joy. Her oldest grandson Chris affectionately bestowed upon Norma the grandma nickname "Momoo" which stuck and is lovingly used by all her family today. Also surviving are sisters-in-law Mary Ann Robertson and Dorothy Robertson and a host of nieces and nephews.
Norma met her first husband, Harley Neal, Jr., at church. Harley was in the Navy and a race car driver at Mansfield Raceway, and their love story was one of shared dreams and devotion. Together, they raised five children, and Norma worked hard so Harley could pursue his passions. They loved playing euchre, drinking coffee with friends, talking on the CB radio, and camping-first in a tent and later upgrading to a camper as they became snowbirds in Florida. Their time together was cut short when Harley passed away in his 50s, but their years together were rich in love and laughter.
In 1995, Norma found love again through a grief support group, marrying Walter Mathews. Walt, who had also lost a spouse, became her steadfast partner as they blended their families and shared new adventures. They spent winters in Arizona, served on mission trips to Bolivia, and ran a prayer ministry for nursing home residents and shut-ins across the tricounty area, providing care and companionship to those who had no one else. Together, they traveled to the Holy Land, and Norma was overjoyed to walk where Jesus once walked-an experience she cherished as much as she treasured walking in His footsteps daily through her faith.
Norma's deep love for animals was evident in her life, as she cared for three generations of Chihuahuas and numerous cats.
She was famous in her family for her pies-peach, rhubarb, elderberry, and so many more-crafted with her signature buttery crusts that were often requested for special occasions. Her children fondly remember her using leftover dough to make a special cinnamon and butter treat, ensuring nothing went to waste. Norma never needed a recipe; she measured by instinct and hand scoops, a skill ingrained through her love of baking.
A devoted coffee drinker, Norma loved her black coffee morning, noon, and night-a passion she passed on to her children. She was known for her warm hugs, infectious laughter, and genuine kindness. Norma had a way of making everyone she met feel loved and special.
Her greatest joy and lasting gift to her family was her faith. She would often ask her grandchildren, "Where does Jesus live?" while pointing to her heart, ensuring they knew the importance of having Jesus as their Lord and Savior. Norma was a member of Berean Baptist Church in Mansfield, where she dedicated herself to serving others and spreading love and faith. In younger years, she was a member of Mansfield Open Bible Church.
The family will receive friends at Snyder Funeral Homes, Lexington Avenue Chapel, 2553 Lexington Ave., Mansfield, Ohio, from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM on December 9, 2024. A funeral service celebrating Norma's life will begin at 2:00 PM, with Pastor Jim Berry officiating. She will be laid to rest at Mansfield Memorial Park in Ontario beside Harley, Jr.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in Norma's memory may be made to Gideons International, P.O. Box 140800, Nashville, TN 37214-0800; Samaritan's Purse, P.O. Box 3000, Boone, NC 28607; Berean Baptist Church, 2145 Middle Bellville Road, Mansfield, OH 44904; or Open Bible Church, 1150 Rayfield Drive, Mansfield, OH 44905.
Snyder Funeral Homes, Lexington Avenue Chapel is honored to serve Norma's family. To share memories or offer condolences, please visit SnyderFuneralHomes.com. Norma's legacy of faith, family, and love will forever remain in the hearts of those who were blessed to know her.