Norma Dell Smith

Norma Dell Smith, age 91, was born in 1934 in Norman, Oklahoma. She peacefully passed away on December 26th,2025, leaving behind a legacy of love, service, humor, and compassion. She was the beloved middle daughter of the late Rev. A. Milton Smith and Opal Smith.

During her childhood and early years, Norma relocated many times as her father served as a pastor for the Nazarene Church. Those moves took her across Texas, Hawaii, California, Arkansas, and Missouri, shaping her adaptability, resilience, and deep appreciation for people from all walks of life.

Norma graduated from Southeast High School in 1951. She continued her education at Bethany Nazarene College, later graduating from NAPA, and went on to earn her master’s degree from the University of Missouri–Kansas City (UMKC). Her dedication to education and helping others led her into psychology services, where she began her career with the Kansas City, Kansas School District for three years before dedicating an incredible 50 years of service to the Kansas City, Missouri School District, teaching first grade to special ed.

In her younger years, Norma was well known as a playful prankster—never afraid to stir up laughter, even once stealing a friend’s car as a joke. That mischievous sense of humor stayed with her throughout her life and kept everyone around her smiling.

Norma began raising her nephew, Ray, when he was three years of age, becoming his full-time mom—a role she cherished deeply. Together they shared countless adventures, including summers spent in Florida and many travels along the way. Norma loved being Ray’s mom and devoted her time and heart to raising him, a role she felt kept her young at heart.

Norma had an enormous heart and was always helping others, making sure people were fed, cared for, and supported when they needed it most. In 1958, she began managing the duplexes her father built, providing not just housing but kindness and understanding—especially to Nazarene seminary students and members of the community. She continued this work for many years until she eventually sold the properties.

Affectionately known as the “cat lady,” Norma had a deep love for animals—especially cats. Her cats and the community strays were like children to her, and she was devoted to helping feral cats, rescue organizations, and friends whenever she could. While she loved all animals, cats truly held her heart.

Norma also had a love for life’s little joys. She was a devoted Mickey Mouse fan, an avid clock collector, spicy food connoisseur, and a true thrift-store specialist—never passing up the chance to recycle, save, or give new life to something old.

Norma is survived by her son, Ray C. Heck, Jr., and his spouse, Linda Heck; four grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren. She is also lovingly survived by her deeply cherished, long-time, special extended family, Tammy, Terry, and Hunter Langford, and Melissa Boone, who held a truly special place in her heart.

Norma Dell Smith will be remembered for her generosity, her laughter, her fierce love for family, animals, and community, and the countless lives she touched along the way.