Norma Dell Dupree Adkins Moore went to be with the Lord on January 4, 2023. She peacefully passed away at the home of her loving daughter Kayron. She was 88 years of age. Norma was born in Coushatta, Louisiana, to Garvis and Norma Orr Dupree on January 30, 1934. She entered this world weighing in at a solid ten pounds according to the cotton scale and in great need of a haircut. Norma was the youngest of a strong farming family. She spent her days picking cotton and helping her family on the farm. Her early years were brought to life through her colorful story telling as she grew older, from playing in the woods with her sisters to riding in the wagon to church. Norma had a wonderful childhood. One she greatly cherished as it was untouched by the hardships that many faced in the 30's.
In her early years Norma pleaded with her mother to start school early. Any teacher that asked was told with determined confidence she was indeed six, not five. Norma was undeterred as she had a strong desire to learn. She went on to be a top student and when she graduated she received the American Legion Award and best all-around student. At the age of sixteen Norma Caught the attention of a shy curly haired neighbor, William Schley Adkins. After building up enough courage he asked Norma to the local fair. William had just graduated from high school and was attending NSU on a basketball scholarship. He still came home on weekends to tend his cotton crop. Thus, a courtship began between two cotton pickers. On May 29, 1952 Norma Dell Dupree married William Schley Adkins Jr. God blessed them with five beautiful strong-willed daughters only exceeded by their mother in sheer will power. William and Norma both loved being in nature. They enjoyed friends, family, and a big home cooked meal that was never complete without cornbread or homemade biscuits and gravy. Regardless of how many were at the table, Norma always had room for one more. She never turned away friends of her daughters and welcomed walking over sleeping kids as she put on her coffee. Between five daughters and eleven grandchildren the home was always full of love and laughter. William and Norma raised their daughters in church and she was a true prayer warrior. Praying each day by name for each daughter and their families. Even up to her final days she never ceased calling on the name of the Lord. She shared forty blessed years with her sweet William. He was the love of her life.
After Norma was widowed she met Andrew F. Moore. They married and shared twenty-seven amazing years together. Andy helped Norma in her grief and they both found happiness again after great loss. Both enjoyed traveling, friends, family and food. They especially found great joy in finding discarded treasures and bringing them back to life through restoration.
Norma was an avid reader. She loved reading and throughout her life she never lost her love for books. The book she held dearest was her Bible. In recent years, as her eyesight faded, the Bible was the one book she never ceased trying to read. Norma also loved to garden. Her ability to nourish, grow, and care for flowers was truly remarkable. She never traveled without knocking on doors and asking strangers for flower clippings. Norma was such a kind and friendly person. Thus, making her ability to talk to anyone about the love of Jesus easier. She refused to accept her life was ever past the point of sharing His love to another. In the end Norma showed great strength. Her body may have failed her but her will to fight never wavered until the Lord called her home.
Norma was preceded in death by her parents Garvis and Norma Dupree; husband, William S. Adkins Jr.; daughter Suzanne A. Aldredge; sisters, Lela Mae Lewandowski and Nellie Whitten.
Left to cherish her memory are husband Andrew F. Moore, Jr.; daughters, Lucy Boose (Pat), Kayron Vercher (Donnie), Ramona Berlin (Rocky), and Carmen Milner (Tracy); grandchildren, Michael Aldredge (Jennifer), Morgan Aldredge (Tommi), Ashley Boose, Lesley Duck (Kevin), Matthew Boose, Amie Zsimovan (Justin), Susie Turner (Garrett), Taylor Berlin (Sara), Tanner Berlin (Kayla), Sara Lasseigne (Scott), Charlsie Reamer (Danny). She is also survived by twenty great grandchildren.
The family would like to extend a special thanks to Lifepath Hospice. Nurses, Kelsey and Julie, were so caring and gentle with the care they provided. The family would also like to extend a heartfelt thanks to Kara Blackmon, loving granddaughter of Andy Moore. She cared for Norma as if she was her own grandmother and treated her as such in all the ways that mattered most. Kara never failed in her unwavering support and care. Her unselfish love and kindness shown to Norma will forever be remembered.
A private family graveside service will be held at Clear Springs Cemetery in Martin, Louisiana.
