Norma 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.