Norma Klein

Norma Fay Gilliam Klein passed from this earth to her Heavenly home on May 16, 2012, at a local nursing home with her family by her side. Connally Compton Funeral Home visitation is Monday at 6pm with Memorial Services at 10am on Tuesday. She fought a long, hard battle against Parkinson's disease. Norma was born on September 21, 1928, to Edgar and Lucille Gilliam, owner of Gilliam Grocery . The only daughter of seven children and a twin brother.

Norma married George Elvin Klein on September 25, 1943, after a brief courtship at the ripe old age of 15 years and 4 days. George turned 22 two days later. Norma and George were the parents of four children Gary Klein, Pat Klein Gwin, Judi Klein Manes and Joyce Klein Smith. George and Norma were long time members of Central Baptist Church. Norma was employed as a waitress at several Waco landmarks that included The Elite Cafe , downtown; The Purple Cow; Bertrands and The Happy Chef.

Her eventual retirement came at L.L. Sams & Sons Church Furniture after working there for several years. She loved to spend time with her family, travel and shop. Norma was a very proud and loving "Nanna" to eleven grandchildren. Her grandchildren often recall the good times had by all with numerous trips to “Kiddieland” and “Six-Flags over Texas”.

Norma was preceded in death by her husband ,George of 57 years, her parents, grandson Michael Shayne Gwin, and five brothers: Edward Gilliam, Herschel Lee Gilliam, Kenneth Gilliam ( twin), James Gilliam and Donald Gilliam.

She is survived by four children, Gary and wife Donna, Pat and husband Rick, Judi and husband Dan, and Joyce and husband Paul. She is survived by ten grandchildren: J.J. Klein King , husband Mike; Elise Klein Bodenbach ,husband Michael; April Klein; Stefan Klein; Shelby Gwin Adams, husband Ryan; Brian and Allison Manes; Aaron and Brandi Manes; Chad and Lindsay Manes; Tara Smith and Lauren Smith and by ten great-grandchildren, Dusten and Tori Hurt Klein; Mikayla, Lorelei and Veda Bodenbach; Hallie King; Kinslee and Shayne Adams; Olivia Manes and Campbell Manes. She is also survived by a brother Tommy Gilliam and several nieces and nephews.

Special thanks to the staff at Regent Care of Woodway and Providence Hospice for their loving care of our sweet mother.