Norma Jean Etheridge

Our Beloved Mother, Norma Jean Etheridge returned to the open arms of her Loving Father Jesus Christ on August 29, 2024. Norma Jean was born November 21, 1942, in Port Lavaca, Texas to the late Leon & Dorothy Washington. She was the third sibling of fourteen children.

Norma Jean attended and graduated from the only primary and secondary Negro School in Port Lavaca, Texas, Wilkins High School Calhoun County ISD. After graduating high school, she worked as a patient caregiver in the local nursing homes for several years. During these years Norma developed a sincere love and concern for the care of geriatric patients and decided to enroll in a college LVN nursing program. She graduated from this program and became the Lead LVN at several centers in Port Lavaca and Baytown Texas. Norma continued in her career until she retired several years prior to her death.

Norma Jean Etheridge accepted Christ at an early age and joined Mason Temple Church of Christ in Port Lavaca Texas. In 1981 Norma and her beloved husband moved to Baytown, Texas where they became members of Mt. Calvary Missionary Baptist Church. She loved her church and was an active member as a deaconess, mission sister, choir member, play writer and worker on special programs for the church when called upon. Mt.Calvary is the church where she invited all of her children to come for special occasions with her and Cornelius. Norma Etheridge was a member of Eastern Star out of Corpus Christi, Texas until she became inactive prior to returning to Baytown Texas.

Norma Jean Etheridge was a loving and supportive wife married to Cornelius Etheridge for 55 years. During her life, she raised and helped in supporting twenty children.Jessie Thomas (Reviannia), Rosetta “Jeanette” Green (Zachary), Sebron Wilson (Ina), Dorothy “Jody” Twine (Homer), LeRoy Taylor (Nora), Raymond Green(deceased), Keith Green Etheridge, Erica Brandon (granddaughter), Marcus Green (grandson) (deceased),Vella Bullock (Edgar), Corny Joe Etheridge (Irene), Racheal Land (Alex), Fernando Etheridge (deceased), Anthony Etheridge (deceased), Yvonne Harper (Arthur), Donna Victor (Stanley), Douglas Etheridge (deceased), Robert Etheridge (Joycelyn), Rita Etheridge (deceased) and Lana James. She loved having forty-seven grandchildren, eighty great grandchildren and seventeen great-great grandchildren. 

Norma leaves her legacy through her living children and grandchildren. She lived life to the fullest, showering each child with love and patience, especially the grandchildren with her love and affection from laughter, fun, great food and family time. She leaves to cherish her memory a special goddaughter, Rosetta McKinze and a host of loving family, friends and associates.