Norma Jean Johnson Jasken, 75
Norma Jean Johnson Jasken, 75, of Houston, formerly of McComb and Vaughn, Miss., “was called home by the Lord” Sept. 23, 2011. At her side was her beloved husband of 56 years, Robert J. Jasken.
Norma was born in Mississippi, Oct. 21, 1935, the oldest child to Maybelle Dixon Johnson and Thomas Upton Johnson of Vaughn, both now deceased.
She is survived by her husband, Robert Jasken, formerly of Kalispell; twin daughters, Karen Burke and her husband Johnny, and Victoria Jenkins and her husband Paul; son, Robert Jasken, and wife, Mischelle; son, David Jasken, and wife, Judy; sister, Gloria Peitz, and her husband, Gary; and brothers, Thomas Johnson and his wife Nita, and Clark Johnson. Also surviving her is sister-in-law, Kathy Mercord, of Lakeside.
Norma Jean was a doting, loving grandmother and is survived also by her precious grandchildren, Taylor Gibson, Ashley Gibson, Blake Jasken, Morgan Jasken, Brady Nails and Abigail Nails. They were her pride and joy.
Norma attended Mississippi State College for Women “The W,” and met the love of her life, her partner and husband Bob, while he was attending flight school nearby. They were married in Vaughn and were later stationed at Elgin Air Force Base.
Upon returning to Mississippi, Norma was an active member of the McComb Garden Club where she is noted to have chartered the first Junior Garden Club of Mississippi, The Busy Bees, still in existence today, and was a chairman of the Azalea Trail. In addition, she was an avid member of the Junior League of McComb.
While living in Houston, Norma owned a successful business, Ms. Tex, an accessory and design shop known to many.
Bob and Norma were active in the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, serving on numerous committees over the years.
Norma was a longtime member of First Baptist Church and Tallowood Baptist Church, both of Houston. During her time at First Baptist, she and Bob were directors of the Cornerstone Class and Norma was an avid choir member.
Norma and Bob were also involved in mission work through the church, sponsoring many mission trips and churches throughout the country.
Known for her social grace, Norma planned many of the social activities at the First Baptist. She never met a stranger. She was a gifted hostess and put those skills to work for many organizations. Later in life Bob and Norma enjoyed traveling and being with their extensive family.
The family is grateful for the many years of happiness and love she brought to them. She was a devoted wife, loving mother and caring grandmother. She will be missed by all.
A memorial service is to be conducted at 11 a.m. on Thursday, the 29th of September, in the Morris Chapel at First Baptist Church, 7401 Katy Freeway in Houston. Immediately following, the family is to greet friends during a reception in the Fellowship Hall.
Interment will take place at 11 a.m. on Saturday, the first of October, at Black Jack Cemetery in Vaughn. A reception will follow at Black Jack Church.
In lieu of customary remembrances, donations may be directed to First Baptist Church Missions, 7401 Katy Freeway, Houston, TX 77024; and a scholarship program close to the family’s heart, The Sean Giroir Memorial Fund, Spring Branch Education Foundation, 955 Campbell Road, Suite 206, Houston, TX 77024.