Norma Frances Horton's Obituary
NORMA FRANCES GIBBS HORTON Norma Frances Horton entered into life on May 31,1933. Daughter of proud parents Dewey Lee and Mildred Elsie Gibbs. She was their second of five children. Merlin, Norma, Charlene, and twins Eldon and Weldon. Affectionately referred to as 3 jacks and a pair of queens by their father. All were born in Texas and eventually ended up in California. Merlin was the first of the children to enter eternal life in December of 2002 joining their dad Dewey. Norma is the second of the children to join this heavenly choir with her brother Merlin and their parents Dewey and Mildred Gibbs Norma married Joe Duke Horton on December 1, 1951 and shared 47 years together. Duke’s journey ended on February 5,1999 and he has been singing his songs and waiting for Norma to join him in forever life together. Norma and Duke had decided to join the family in California and had two children, Sharon and Darren. Sharon and Steve Manual of Milpitas CA., Darren and Karen Horton of Arkansas, four grandchildren, five great-grandchildren and three great-great grandchildren survive Norma. She loved them all dearly. Her face would light up when she talked about each of them. Norma and Duke shared a love for country and gospel music. Many times as Duke played his guitar, Norma and the family would all sing along. Generations after generation all joined in the sing along and have acquired a love for music. Norma and Duke raised their children to love Jesus and attended Sunday services as a family. Norma had quite a love for the Lord. Those that knew her could tell you how well she knew the Bible. She enjoyed going to church and spending time with the group in her Women’s Bible Study. She was admired and loved by each of the ladies. Norma and Duke loved to travel and went on many trips with her sister Charlene and brother in-law Ed Mullins They traveled by planes, cars and cruise ships, but most loved the time they spent traveling in their Motorhomes across the country. They would tell stories of visiting almost every state in this country. Norma had worked many years for Montgomery Ward in Fremont, CA. She enjoyed the work but most enjoyed her co-workers. She spent many years there and eventually earned her retirement in 1991to then spend the time singing and traveling with Duke and family. Norma Frances Horton was granted eternal life on December 26,2017. She entered into Heaven’s gates, greeted by her beloved husband Joe Duke Horton. There is no doubt Duke is playing guitar, with Ed on Harmonica, Nana singing “In the Sweet By and By” and many of our loved ones joining the choir. She is now a new voice with them all in the Praise of Our Heavenly Father.
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