Laurie Jean (Boyer) Norris

On Wednesday, December 28, 2022 at 6:27AM, at the age of 63, Laurie Jean Boyer Norris entered into the arms of our Lord surrounded by her family. Our beautiful, amazing, incredible, wife/mother/Grammy/friend is no longer suffering in her earthly body. She has been renewed and restored, rising to heaven as the angel we all knew here on earth.

There are so many friends and family which have loved this woman. Let us share what makes her so special. During her high school years, Laurie decided to be a cosmetologist, a career she was passionate about her entire working life. She was as much of a therapist as hairdresser - she was a great listener and could dole out advice that rivaled Dr. Phil. She spent nearly 40 years making people look and feel their best. During that time, she developed so many lasting friendships and bonds that continue to this day.

When she was not perfecting hairstyles and providing happiness and confidence to her customers, Laurie was focused on her family. She was married to the love of her life, Rodney, for 44 years and had two amazing children, Teresa Watkins (John) and Travis Norris (Dee). Her children would bless her with three absolutely wonderful grandchildren, Sarah Watkins, Luke Watkins, and Cami Norris. Her passion for these grandchildren was palpable and these kids absolutely adored their Grammy. Laurie cherished her time with the grandkids, but it is certain the grandchildren enjoyed the time with her even more. She is also survived by her siblings Michael Boyer (Dale), Thomas Boyer, Lynn Portz, Brett Boyer, and Scott Boyer, numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts, uncles and friends.

This family loves the holidays and all the traditions which surround them. Laurie would spend days baking pies, pumpkin rolls, and other sweets for Thanksgiving, only to outdo this with a Christmas bake that could last over 12 hours and produce what seemed like a thousand batches of cookies. Her Italian ricotta cheese cookies should have won an award, but certainly succeeded in spreading happiness. On that note, Christmas was always her favorite holiday. Her generosity really showed through with tremendous number of gifts she bought for her ever-growing number of friends and family. The stacks of presents she had wrapped exceed the height of the Christmas tree. She knew how to make everyone around her feel special on holidays and, truly, all year long.

While her children were still at home, Laurie took numerous road trips over the summer and spent at least a week each year at Madeira Beach. Laurie loved the beach and spent much time swimming in Florida’s most abundant resource. After her children graduated from school and moved out, Laurie’s focus on travel intensified. She loved to cruise and spend time out west. Fortunately, the past two years provided a huge number of travel opportunities as spread of COVID declined and the country opened its door to travel. It seemed like she was on vacation more days than she was home. She had a great passion for the Red Rocks and the Rocky Mountains. Whether traveling or close to home, Laurie always enjoyed listening to live music. Interestingly enough, she had a great appreciation for the traditional mariachi music of Mexico upon visiting. Laurie had a zest for living and enjoyed meeting and conversing with people all around the country – she did not know a stranger.

Laurie had strength, faith and courage that sustained her until her last breath. On December 16, 2022, Laurie was admitted to the hospital with pneumonia caused by FluA. This was complicated by the fact she was immunosuppressed due to receiving a kidney transplant 2.5 years prior. This infection continued to escalate into Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS). She was transferred to TGH where she spent the last week fighting with every ounce of her being. Laurie was a fighter, and most would not have survived a few days, let alone twelve in her condition.

We were not ready for her to leave us, but we know God has a plan for her - as with all of us. As we reflect on all the beautiful memories we have to savor with this incredible woman, we can only aspire to impact as many as she had. Anyone who knew her would tell you how much they loved her. She was generous, loving, patient, kind, a true friend and a loyal servant of the lord.

A visitation for Laurie will be held Saturday, January 7, 2023 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM, immediately followed by a funeral mass at 11:00 AM at Christ the King Catholic Church, 821 S Dale Mabry Hwy, Tampa, FL 33609. The family invites you to attend a reception in her honor after the service. Laurie will have a graveside service on Monday, January 9, 2023 at National Cemetery, 6502 SW 102nd Avenue, Bushnell, FL 33513. If it is your preference, donations can be made to the either Lifepath Hospice or Shriner’s Hospital on Laurie’s behalf..