Norma Jean Fesmire, age 79, affectionately known to most as “Nana”, passed away on Saturday morning December 8, 2012 at her residence.
She was born February 1, 1933 in Lexington TN the daughter of the late Espy Orene Sheppard and Eula Petty Sheppard. Other than her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of 56 years, Benny D. Fesmire, and two sisters Carolyn Sheppard Belew and Janice Sheppard Todd.
Mrs. Norma came to Jackson in the early 1950’s to attend West Tennessee Business College. There she met the love of her life and they married in February of 1953. She began working at Tigrett Industries and remained there until she started her family. She then became a homemaker until 1966 when she began her 47 year career as a preschool teacher at West Jackson Baptist Church Child Development Center.
Her entire life was centered around her family, especially her grandchildren and the West Jackson Daycare. She was an avid sports fan supporting the Union Bulldogs, the USJ baseball and softball teams, the Diamond Jaxx, the JCS cheering squad and various other sports teams and organizations throughout the community.
She is survived by her two children Benny D. Fesmire, Jr.( Sherry) and Terri Lynn Marbury (David); five grandchildren Brad Taylor (Courtney), Jenni Sadler, Benjie Fesmire, Katie Beth Fesmire, and Jordan Fesmire; and one great-grandchild, Delaney Catherine Taylor. She also leaves behind a wonderful, loving brother-in-law, Dr. Billy A. Belew of Lexington, Tennessee.
Visitation will be Tuesday, December 11, 2012 from 4:00PM to 6:00PM at West Jackson Baptist Church. A private family funeral service will be held Wednesday at Arrington Funeral Directors with Pastor Ben Mandrell and Brother Jimmy Breedlove officiating. Norma will be buried in Ridgecrest Cemetery.
Pallbearers for the private service will be Brad Taylor, Benjie Fesmire, Jordan Fesmire, Joel Wyatt, Tommy Sadler, and Dr. David Blackstock. Honorary pallbearers will be David Marbury and Dr. Billy Belew.
The family has requested in lieu of flowers that memorial contributions be directed to West Jackson Baptist Church Child Development Center, 580 Oil Well Rd, Jackson, TN 38305.
Arrington Funeral Directors, 148 W. University Parkway, Jackson, TN 38305. 731-668-1111www.arringtonfuneralgroup.com.