Norma Jean Whitman, age 88, went home to be with the Lord on January 11th, 2023.

Norma Jean Whitman was born October 15, 1934, in Montgomery, Alabama.  She was the youngest of four children: Joe, John and Mary Smith.  Her mother Georgia Mae Johnson and father Robert Smith preceded her in death, as well all siblings.

Norma Jean accepted Christ at an early age.  The family relocated to Cleveland, Ohio in 1944, and began her education in the public school system. In 1953 she graduated from John Hay High School.  After graduation she attended technical school for accounting.

She worked several jobs until she gained employment as an Accountant with the Cleveland Water Department for 36 years, retiring in 2007.

On June 6, 1960, at the age of 25, Norma Jean married William Henry Whitman, and to this union two sons were born: Edmund and Paul.

Norma Jean loved to go to the casino and travel on bus trips.  She could play the slot machines for hours and, enjoyed playing games on the computer.

Norma’s home was where the family gathered, and every year on Thanksgiving for Thanksgiving dinner.  The Whitman’s and Smith’s were all treated the same as one blended family.  The families were so blended that everyone thought they were related.

Norma was an exceptional wife and mother, caring deeply for her family.  She took her sons to visit the grandmothers, aunts, and cousins every Sunday until they could drive themselves.

She had a love for God, so much that she drove herself attending  church with her niece, until she didn’t feel comfortable driving anymore.  She was a member of St. Paul United Methodist Church, and later a member of Shaker Heights Community Church.  Norma was in search of a new Church home when she became ill.

Loosing your mother at any age is a tragedy that most people have a hard time coping with.  Norma was the bridge to all the family and will be sorely missed.

Norma leaves to cherish her memory to her sons Edmund Whitman (Maria), of Oakwood Village, OH; Paul Whitman of Bedford OH. Grandchildren, Edmund Whitman Jr., Kevin Whitman, Matthew Moreland and Paul Whitman Jr; sisters in-law, Ida Murphy of Shaker Heights, OH, Catherine Smith, and Rose Smith of Cleveland OH, also with many other relatives, friends and neighbors