Norma J. Smith

Norma Jean (Denny) Smith, 93, of New Albany, Indiana, passed away peacefully on Sunday afternoon, December 14, 2025, at Baptist East Hospital in Louisville, Kentucky, surrounded by her loved ones. She was born on November 23, 1932, in Wellsboro, Indiana, to the late Charles B. Denny and Leona P. (Leatherman) Denny.
Throughout her life, Norma held several occupations, but she was most recently and proudly known for her role as the event coordinator for musicians at the VFW Hobart Beach Post 1693 on Grantline Road. This role perfectly reflected her love for people, music, and bringing others together. She was also an active member of the VFW Women's Auxiliary, where she enjoyed staying involved and giving back to a community that meant so much to her.
Norma was a very social person who truly thrived on connection. She especially enjoyed Friday night dances at the VFW Hobart Beach Post 1693, where she could visit, laugh, and spend time with friends. She treasured "girls' lunches," cherished visits with family and friends, and took great joy in hosting and staying connected with those she loved. Norma also loved her flower gardens and took great pride in planting and caring for them, both at her home and at the VFW. She enjoyed decorating her home for every holiday, putting special care and excitement into Christmas, which brought her particular happiness each year.
Although she was no longer an active member of DePauw United Methodist Church in recent years, Norma remained strong in her faith throughout her life.
In addition to her parents, Norma was preceded in death by her daughter, Mary Ann Applegate; her son, James E. Larner; her granddaughter, Tracy Shoots; and her great-grandson, Caleb Baxter.
Left to cherish her memory are her sons, Michael Larner (Julie) and Wendell S. Smith; her daughter, Rebecca Jernigan; her grandchildren, Jamie Sattler (James), Shandy Keehn, Shae C. Libka (Robby), Michael Larner (Amanda), Kelly Baxter, Derrick Larner, Rhonda Shuman, Ronnie Carroll, Mike Jernigan, and Brian Jernigan; her great-grandchildren, Taylor Sattler, Kirstie Adanick, Ryan Berté, Karsyn Smith, Maverick Libka, Zach Shuman, Bryce Shuman, Dalton, Brayden, Addison, Cameron, Gabriel, Lucy, Bryttani, Sydney Baxter, Levi Baxter, Baylynn, Lucianna Larner, Dellarae Larner, Sarabella Larner, and Reynaleigh Larner; her sister, Dorothy Beanblossom; granddaughter in law, Stephanie Shoots; along with numerous other loving great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, extended family members, and dear friends who will miss her deeply.
Visitation will be held at the Oak Street Chapel of Naville & Seabrook Funeral Homes on Thursday, December 18, from 2:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., and again on Friday, December 19, from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. A funeral service will take place at the Oak Street Chapel on Friday, December 19, at 11:00 a.m., with entombment to follow at Graceland Memorial Park.
Expressions of sympathy may be made in the form of donations in Norma's name to the VFW Hobart Beach Post 1693 on Grantline Road.