NORMA H. HARPER

To paraphrase Buddy Holly, it's raining in our hearts. Norma Hart Harper, the matriarch of the family, passed away October 26, 2015, in Richmond, at the age of 95. Born in Dendron, Va., in 1920 to Edna and Clyde Hart, she spent her early years in Petersburg, Colonial Heights and South Richmond. In the late-1940s, Norma met a young Army officer at Ft. Lee in Petersburg, and later married him at Fort Hood, Texas. For 15 years as a military wife and mother of four, she unselfishly supported her husband and provided stability and unconditional love to the family on assignments to, among other places, Washington, Georgia, Texas, Virginia, North Carolina and Germany. In the mid-'60s, the family moved to Richmond, and for 50 years Norma lived in the Meadowbrook area of Chesterfield County. Blessed with beauty, a sly sense of humor, intelligence, curiosity and a gift of gab, she touched the lives of countless people, who also were drawn by her warmth, kindness and quiet strength. She loved baseball, family gatherings and music, especially The Beatles and Nat King Cole.

Fiercely protective and proud of her children, Norma is survived by three sons and a daughter: John T. Harper, Jr. of Manteo, N.C., Glenn D. Harper (Patricia), Mark L. Harper (Donna) and Jeanine H. Maruca (Michael), all of Richmond. She also is survived by her sisters, Betty Hart King of Colonial Heights, Va., and Feigh Hart Hales of Ashland, Va.; as well as eight grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces, nephews and friends. Though she is no longer in our sight, Norma will be with us, always. The Harper family wishes to thank the staffs of Gentiva Hospice and the Laurels of Bon Air for the care of our mother over the last year. And to LaCotney Chisholm, Norma's aide, friend and confidante since 2010, our debt of gratitude is immeasurable.

A viewing will be held from 10 to 11 a.m. Thursday, October 29, 2015, at E. Alvin Small Funeral Home in Colonial Heights. It will be followed by a private graveside service at Wakefield Cemetery, where Norma will be laid to rest next to her parents and grandparents. In lieu of flowers, donations in the name of Norma Hart Harper can be made to Greater Richmond SCAN (Stop Child Abuse Now). Condolences may be registered at www.ealvinsmall.com.