Norma Crowder's Obituary
Norma Cortez Crowder, 65, of Dallas, passed away on August 1, 2025. Born on September 1, 1959, in Del Rio, Texas, Norma was known for her radiant smile, caring heart, warm laugh, and deep compassion. Norma graduated from Lamar University in Beaumont, Texas and embarked on her lifelong journey as a servant leader with the Salesmanship Club Camp. In 1987, her servant heart led her to the American Red Cross, serving in disaster relief. She worked long and hard hours ensuring those recovering from disasters had their needs met while providing comfort, dignity, and hope. Her kindness and commitment to those in need went far beyond expectations and was inspiring to witness.
After a twenty-seven-year career with the Red Cross, she retired in 2014 and soon decided to continue to serve those recovering from disasters by joining the Federal Emergency Management Agency in May 2016. One of her FEMA supervisors said of her: "Norma lived life her way and always honestly. She was direct, determined, and incredibly kind, and she was always ready to help. I loved and admired her so much, and I will always cherish my memories of her."
A die-hard Dallas Cowboys fan, she could be found on game day celebrating their wins or lamenting their losses with her loving wife, Rena, by her side, decked out in Cowboys gear. She was a big Dolly Parton fan and cherished traveling to Nashville with Rena to see the debut of the Dolly Parton musical and enjoy live country music shortly before her passing. Norma treasured time with friends and family, often opting for road trips across the country for visits, and lovingly crafted an annual Christmas letter to share updates, prayers, and good wishes with those she loved.
Norma was preceded in death by her mother and father, Delfina and Julio Crowder, Sr., her sisters Carmen Sauceda and Edna Martinez, her brother Julio Crowder, Jr. and her sisters-in-law, Joyce Penney and Anita Penney.
She is survived by her loving wife, Rena Crowder, her son, RJ Prado (Ellie), her sister, Cricelda Crowder, sister-in-law Amanda Khan, brothers-in-law James and Michael Penney and a multitude of nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.
A memorial service will be held at the Restland Memorial Chapel, 13005 Greenville Ave, Dallas, TX on Saturday, August 16, 2025, with visitation at 1:00pm and the service at 2:00pm. Burial will be immediately following in the Garden of Freedom. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund at the following link: https://americanredcross.donordrive.com/campaigns/In-Memoriam-Norma-Crowder.
Norma will be deeply missed by all who knew her, and her spirit will live on in our hearts.
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