Norma Jean Blalack

Born on September 29, 1935, in Sedgwick, Kansas, Norma was the daughter of Jeanetta Margaret Freund and Luther Daniel Freund. She is a proud member of Sedgwick High School ‘s Class of ‘53 and briefly attended college at Kansas State, deciding it wasn’t for her after a storied internal dispute over a Bunsen burner. Though college wasn’t her thing, the friends she made in that short time were life-long. Over the years, Norma worked as a camp counselor in Wisconsin, was a dedicated Macy’s employee while living in Kansas City, a secretary for a furniture warehouse in Florida, and a Stanley Home Products representative in Wichita. During her 32 years living in Sugar Land, however, she was best known as the friendly neighborhood Avon lady.

In 1955, Norma married the love of her life, Jerl Blalack. She loved him for his ornery disposition and his ability to never meet a stranger. Jerl loved Norma for her gentle sweetness and her remarkable ability to endure just anything, which came in handy while navigating his high jinks. Their love was one for the books, and as a couple they were remarkably prolific at making and keeping friends well into their golden years, beloved by all who knew them. Hometown friends, Navy friends, work friends and especially their Eastern Star Friends were dear to them, but the handful of neighbors they had over the years were always more like family to the Blalacks.

Norma enjoyed water skiing, reading, long road trips, Mexican food, Coca-Cola and late-night card and board games. You could bet on a “Yes” when it came to trying out new things or going on adventures. She was endlessly curious and, being so, was particularly tech-savvy for her age, often an early adopter of the newest gadget on the horizon. Norma was also a gifted needlework artisan. Quilting, sewing, knitting, and even CNC embroidery were all significant pastimes of Mrs. Blalack.

After many years of hoping for a child, Norma found herself in a doctor’s office after suffering whiplash in a car accident in Wichita. It was at that appointment her Dr inquired if she and Jerl were still considering adoption, explaining that a patient of his was in the midst of an “unwanted pregnancy”. Norma said yes to that doctor right then and there, and for several months, she and Jerl awaited their baby. Upon arriving 2 weeks late, little Susan Kay would go home with overjoyed parents. Suzi’s earliest memories to the very last with her mother were of her emphatically stating that God placing her in her arms was the greatest gift she ever received on earth.

In her final days, Norma expressed tremendous pride in the woman Suzi has become—only gently noting that a little added adventurousness wouldn’t hurt. She also shamelessly claimed John as her own, never missing an opportunity to bring up her favorite doctor in casual conversation.

Norma is survived by her daughter, Suzi (Blalack) Erwin, her sister, Mary-Lou Giggy, two grandchildren, Jay (Caroline) and Erik (Martha) , her great-grandson, Von Erwin as well as her dearly loved nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Jerl, and her great-granddaughter Audrey Erwin.

A visitation will be held Thursday, April 10, 2025 from 5pm - 7pm at Scanio-Harper Funeral Home, 3110 Airport Rd, Temple, TX 76504.

A memorial service will be held at 11am on Friday, April 11, 2025, at the funeral home. A graveside service will be held at11am at Hillside Cemetery in Sedgwick, Kansas.

Memorial gifts can be made to Shriners Children’s Hospitals

Norma’s unfailing catchphrase, “I’ll be fine,” has never felt truer than it does today. In light of the eternal rest she has found in Jesus, we celebrate her life—now finer and fuller than ever—in His eternal presence.