Obituary

February 21, 2014

Norma E. Bennett

BennettNorma Evangeline Johnson Bennett was born to Albert J. and Ida Sandell Johnson on October 3, 1920.  She was born at home on a farm three and one half miles Northeast of Stromsburg, Nebraska.  Twenty-two years later she was married to C. Donald Bennett in that same house.  Norma was the youngest child of seven in the Johnson family.  This meant that she was surrounded by activity and attention during her “growing up”.  However, since her siblings were considerably older she learned to be very independent.  Norma’s love of music began at age seven when she started piano lessons.  This led to her accompanying for groups in High School and Church at an early age.  She would often stay after school accompanying for someone and then go directly across the street to the Baptist Church to play for special events or midweek prayer meeting.  At the University of Nebraska, Norma majored in English and minored in public speaking and music.  She taught classes in all three areas in Burwell and Osceola after graduation.  Don and Norma were married on November 27, 1942.  They made their home in Lincoln, Nebraska where their two daughters, Kathi and Kris were born.  When the girls were both in school, Norma began accompanying again.  She worked at Park Junior High School for two years and at Northeast High School for nineteen.  Norma joined Second Baptist Church in 1957.  She helped organize Junior and Youth choirs and later a small group of Senior women who loved to sing.  Although age and arthritis had taken their toll, Norma’s love of music had never waned.  Norma’s daughters, her grandchildren and great grandchildren were the love of her life as evidenced by the hundreds of cookies she baked each time they came to visit.  Each child had his own favorite and she made an effort to satisfy each one.  Games were also an important part of entertainment with the children.  Old Maid, Skip Bo, Uno and Rook were all a part of the fun.  Many Sunday afternoons were spent in serious competition.  Those happy times are all part of the good memories we cherish as we remember “Gran” Bennett.

Survivors include her daughters and son-in-law, Kathryn Friesen of Lincoln; Kristine and Douglas Crabtree of Arlington, Texas.  Nine grandchildren, ten great grandchildren.  She was preceded in death by her husband and her parents.

Services will be held at 10:30 A.M. on Tuesday, February 25th at Second Baptist Church, 525 N. 58th street, Lincoln.  Burial of ashes will be at 9:00 A.M. on Tuesday, February 25th at Wyuka Cemetery.  Cremation, no visitation.

Memorials to Second Baptist Church.

 

 

4 Comments

  1. Our thoughts and prayers are with each of you. I never met Norma but from the stories I have heard she was an inspiration to many.

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  2. Kris, Doug and Bennett Family,

    Please accept my deepest condolences at the loss of your Mother. I remember her as extremely patient with hellions like me and a great accompanist. She was always smiling, except when she caught me standing on Velma Snook’s new Grand Piano. I hope your pain is quickly replace by only beautiful memories. I know like me her passing brought back many memories to those who were choir members at Northeast.

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  3. We were so saddened to hear of Norma’s death. She was one of a kind for sure–a dedicated Christian women, so friendly, so thoughtful,and so considerate. She sat in the pew ahead of us every Sunday and always greeted us with that wonderful smile. We are in AZ at this time but certainly want you to know that we send our deepest sympathy and know that God will give you comfort to lessen your sorrow as time goes by. Max and Carol Biggs

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  4. Please accept my condolences on the loss of your dear loved one. Take comfort in knowing that our heavenly Creator will soon remove all pain, sorrow, and death forever! May this promise as recorded in Revelation 21:3,4 help you gain the strength and inner peace to cope with the days ahead. Philippians 4:13

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