Obituary of Wanda Jean Norvell

Wanda Jean Norvell passed away peacefully, on July 17, 2024 in Gainesville, TX after a long battle with Alzheimer's. She was born on July 13, 1930 in Burneyville, Oklahoma, to Earnest & Josie Fultz. One of eight children, Wanda was preceded in death by all her siblings: Richard, Price, James, Gordon (PeeWee), Bertha, Louise and Peggy. In 1948, she married her best friend, Sam Houston Norvell Sr. and shared sixty-seven amazing years together before his death in 2015. They had three sons that they loved very much, Sam Houston Norvell Jr. who resides in Nebraska with his wife Jacque, Gary Don Norvell who passed away in 1981 and James Max Norvell Sr. who resides in Texas with his wife Vicky. Sam and Wanda's sons gave them eight grandchildren: Lori, Joni, William (Willie) who passed away in 2012, Dennis, Erick, Jill, James and Daniel who passed away in 2010; twenty great-grandchildren and eleven great-great-grandchildren. Wanda was an amazing wife, mother and grandmother who took pride in taking care of her home and who spent many years volunteering her time delivering "Meals On Wheels" to elderly shut-ins. She enjoyed her visits and spending time with many who longed for a friend and a little conversation. She spent many days hunting and fishing and traveling in their RV. Wanda loved to cook and everyone in the family looked forward to it. Her hot rolls on Thanksgiving were a timeless, family tradition. She devoted her life to God and attended church every week until she couldn't. Wanda Jean leaves behind many wonderful friends and loved ones who will miss her dearly, but we all know she is back in the loving arms of her husband in the presence of God. Graveside services will be held on Thursday, July 25, 2024 at 11:00 pm at Portales Cemetery Portales, New Mexico. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, July 24, 2024 from 5:00 pm until 8:00 pm at Kirby-Ratliff Funeral Home. Condolences may be sent to www.kirbysmithrogers.com.