Norma Kathryn Douglas Jenkins, 93, of Stony Point, N.C., went to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Saturday, July 17, 2021. She was a beloved wife, mother, daughter, aunt, mamaw and great mimi.
Norma was born on April 3, 1928, in Iredell County, N.C., to the late Ray Hall Douglas and Ruth Brown Douglas. She graduated in 1947 from Scotts School, where she played softball and basketball. She went to Davis Hospital Nursing School and trained under Miss Hill, but after some time she decided nursing was not for her. Norma later worked in the JC Penney Warehouse office, and would always recall how they would get paid in cash on Fridays.
She was a dedicated caregiver to her grandfather, Joe Brown, who was diabetic and wheelchair bound until his death. Norma also cared for her daughter Johnsie for 59 years until her death in 2020. She unconditionally loved and unselfishly cared for them. It was during this time that all could see she was much better at the nursing profession than she had ever thought.
Norma was a wonderful cook, baker and had an eye for interior design and loved her pretty dishes. She was a fantastic hostess and always had beautiful table sets at the holidays and a delicious meal prepared. At one time she learned to decorate birthday cakes for family members, including her parents’ 50th wedding anniversary cake.
She learned to sew in order to make dresses for her three daughters, also making each of them a Dutch Girl quilt. Norma was a crafty woman and always loved butterflies. She would catch and frame some of the most beautiful butterflies, and has hundreds of them all over her house. She truly was the “Butterfly Lady.” Norma loved to read her Bible before her macular degeneration started. She would listen to Billy Graham, Charles Stanley and John Hagee.
One of Norma’s greatest joys was when she became a great Mimi to Sophia and Jackson. She loved their visits and getting to go visit them when possible. They always brightened her day.
One of the favorite memories of Norma was when the Douglas clan gathered at Grandpa’s on the front porch. There were always country ham biscuits and singing around the piano. This always brought a smile to her face.
In addition to her parents, Norma was preceded in death be her husband, John Pascal Jenkins; two daughters, Jane Jenkins Gustin and Johnsie Jenkins; as well as a brother, Kenneth Douglas.
Norma is survived by daughter, Pamela Jenkins Summers (Billy); granddaughter, Amanda Principato (Robert); and great grandchildren, Sophie Principato and Jackson Principato. Also surviving are her son-in-law, Kelly Gustin; numerous nieces and nephews; and special friends, Dorothy Barr and BJ Baity.
A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, July 21, at New Sterling ARP Church with burial to follow at the church cemetery with Rev. Tim Watson officiating. The family will gather with friends following the burial. Mrs. Jenkins will lie in state at the church from 10 to 11 a.m. before the service.
The family would like to thank Hospice and Palliative Care of Iredell County with a special thanks to Rita Edwards and Cassie Fielden. Norma was an independent, strong willed, yet a compassionate, loving woman who will be greatly missed by her family. She has gained her new body and is in her heavenly home. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Hospice and Palliative Care of Iredell County at 2347 Simonton Road, Statesville, NC 28625.
Troutman Funeral Home is serving the family.