Norma Jane Collins (Garrett)'s Obituary
Norma Jane Collins was born in Charenton, Louisiana on November 30, 1947, to the late Emmadell and Cleveland Collins. She was the eldest of seven children, and was raised by her Great Aunt, Caladonia Pickett-Clark (known as Mama Noon). Norma grew up in Charenton where she accepted Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior at an early age. She was an active member of her church growing up, where she and her younger sister, Lillian served as ushers at St John Baptist Church. She always cherished the time spent with her family and loved sharing stories from her childhood.
Norma eventually moved to Dallas, Texas where she met and subsequently married the late Richard Garrett on November 23, 1968. To this union, three children were born: Rhonda Jane Garrett, Chelsea Garrett, and Caladonia Garrett. She was a devoted housewife for many years until circumstances necessitated her separating from her husband and moving back to Charenton.
Norma and her children moved around before settling in Franklin, Louisiana. She later attended the Delta Institute where she earned her Certified Nursing Assistant qualification and was later employed at a local nursing home. Her children’s fondest memories include the enormous effort and sacrifice she put in to making the holidays extra special. She would often pleasantly surprise her children in the most unexpected ways.
Norma was a kind, empathetic and loving soul. Slow to anger and quick to forgive. She made it her mission to be a support system for those she encountered by offering prayers, words of encouragement, feeding homeless individuals, and generously giving back. She would often recite Psalms 23 and 91 for guidance, wisdom, and comfort. She also enjoyed volunteering at the Emergency Aid Thrift Store where she could be of service to others. Her hobbies included thrift shopping and refurbishing antique furniture for resell.
After her eldest daughter, Rhonda, passed away, Norma, and her youngest daughter, Caladonia, returned to Dallas in 1991. She completed clerk training courses at Bill J. Priest Institute in 1993. During the years, Norma held many jobs including airport security, bill collecting, and telecommunications. Her work as a data entry clerk was her most fulfilling job until she had to resign this beloved position due to suffering a stroke.
While she was raised Baptist, Norma later became a devout member of the Greenville Church of Christ. She enjoyed spending time and sharing special moments with her daughters, three grandchildren: Kaila Jameson, Kierstin Schwarz, and Chance Robertson, along with other family members. Her grandchildren were always her pride, joy, and topic of conversation to friends and people she would meet. She is loved by her family and adored by many.
Norma was a loving mother, grandma, daughter, sister, niece, granddaughter, cousin, aunt, and friend. She is preceded in death by her daughter, Rhonda Jane Garrett, and is survived by her daughters: Chelsea Garrett and Caladonia Garrett; her grandchildren: Kaila Jameson, Kierstin Schwarz, and Chance Robertson; her siblings: Lillian Butler (née Collins), Calvin Pierre (known as Papa), Catherine Coleman (née Pierre), Theresa Milton (née Pierre), Edward Pierre, Andrea Pierre (known as Lisa); her Uncle Elridge Nelson (Aunt Wanda), and many other family members and friends left to treasure her life and memory.
Ma,
Our family is broken-hearted by your absence, but at peace knowing you’re wrapped in the love, warmth and presence of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. What a blessing it is having you as our Mom and Grandma. We honor your parting wish for us to have a happy life. Until we see you again…
What’s your fondest memory of Norma?
What’s a lesson you learned from Norma?
Share a story where Norma's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Norma you’ll never forget.
How did Norma make you smile?