Obituary for Norma Elaine Whittemore (Pearson)
Norma Elaine Whittemore (Neé Pearson)
July 11, 1934 ~ October 12, 2022
Norma Elaine Whittemore (Neé Pearson) was born in Dallas, Texas on July 7, 1934 to Lowell Houston Pearson and Vera Gladys Pearson (Nee) (McNees). She was called home to her Heavenly Father on October 12, 2022 at 88 years old. When Norma was just a child, her parents separated. She and her sister moved with their mother to their grandparents homestead in Grandfield, Oklahoma when their mother accepted teaching position in Chickasha High School. After graduation, both girls attended Oklahoma College for Women. After 2 years, Norma transferred to The University of Oklahoma. While attending the University of Oklahoma, Norma met the love of her life, William B. Whittemore. They were wed April 7, 1955 in Norman, Oklahoma. They were married 61 years, until William’s passing September 15, 2017. They are survived by two children son: Steven Mark Whittemore age 65 and his Wife, Ava Janette; and a daughter: Laura K. Whittemore-Shepherd age 63 of Oklahoma City and her husband John Jay Shepherd who is from Denver, Colorado; sister: Betty L. Heath and her husband Melvin Heath. Norma earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Home Economics. She taught Home Economics at Star Spencer High School in Spencer, Oklahoma for 8 years. In 1974, the family moved to Crescent, Oklahoma where Norma taught Vocational Education and directed the Vocational Industrial Clubs of America (VICA). She also sponsored the High School Pep Club. She even had a couple of students who completed and won National Titles in their individual fields of pursuit; one in Public Speaking and one in plumbing. While teaching full time at Crescent High School, Norma traveled to Oklahoma State University in Stillwater, Oklahoma to achieve her master’s degree in Vocational Education earning her Degree with honors. She was a straight-A student! In 1977, Norma accepted an instructor position in Cooperative Vocational Education at Moore-Norman Technology Center, and continued teaching there until retirement. Norma and William loved traveling to the beautiful and picturesque location of the United States and Canada. Their favorites were Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks, Banff Springs in Canada, Lake Tahoe, California, and they made a yearly trip to visit their daughter Laura who was transferred by her job to the Monterey Peninsula in California. They also enjoyed more “local” jaunts as well, visiting Eureka Springs, Arkansas often as well as long weekends in the Ouchita Forests of Eastern Oklahoma. They always enjoyed nature hikes, and would hike whenever they found a good trail. Norma was a voracious reader and crossword puzzle aficionado. She read as many as 7 books a week and worked every puzzle she could find. She was a member of Southern Hills Baptist Church for 44 years, attending weekly worship and contributing to her favorite charities. She always put her beloved family first, she was a fabulous cook and devoted care-giver whenever she was needed. Norma was deeply, loved as a wife, mother, sister, aunt and teacher. Her students adored her as well, often seeking her for guidance, a listening ear, and a compassionate, understanding heart. She will be deeply missed by so many who knew and loved her. Well done, Norma. RIP
July 11, 1934 ~ October 12, 2022
Norma Elaine Whittemore (Neé Pearson) was born in Dallas, Texas on July 7, 1934 to Lowell Houston Pearson and Vera Gladys Pearson (Nee) (McNees). She was called home to her Heavenly Father on October 12, 2022 at 88 years old. When Norma was just a child, her parents separated. She and her sister moved with their mother to their grandparents homestead in Grandfield, Oklahoma when their mother accepted teaching position in Chickasha High School. After graduation, both girls attended Oklahoma College for Women. After 2 years, Norma transferred to The University of Oklahoma. While attending the University of Oklahoma, Norma met the love of her life, William B. Whittemore. They were wed April 7, 1955 in Norman, Oklahoma. They were married 61 years, until William’s passing September 15, 2017. They are survived by two children son: Steven Mark Whittemore age 65 and his Wife, Ava Janette; and a daughter: Laura K. Whittemore-Shepherd age 63 of Oklahoma City and her husband John Jay Shepherd who is from Denver, Colorado; sister: Betty L. Heath and her husband Melvin Heath. Norma earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Home Economics. She taught Home Economics at Star Spencer High School in Spencer, Oklahoma for 8 years. In 1974, the family moved to Crescent, Oklahoma where Norma taught Vocational Education and directed the Vocational Industrial Clubs of America (VICA). She also sponsored the High School Pep Club. She even had a couple of students who completed and won National Titles in their individual fields of pursuit; one in Public Speaking and one in plumbing. While teaching full time at Crescent High School, Norma traveled to Oklahoma State University in Stillwater, Oklahoma to achieve her master’s degree in Vocational Education earning her Degree with honors. She was a straight-A student! In 1977, Norma accepted an instructor position in Cooperative Vocational Education at Moore-Norman Technology Center, and continued teaching there until retirement. Norma and William loved traveling to the beautiful and picturesque location of the United States and Canada. Their favorites were Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks, Banff Springs in Canada, Lake Tahoe, California, and they made a yearly trip to visit their daughter Laura who was transferred by her job to the Monterey Peninsula in California. They also enjoyed more “local” jaunts as well, visiting Eureka Springs, Arkansas often as well as long weekends in the Ouchita Forests of Eastern Oklahoma. They always enjoyed nature hikes, and would hike whenever they found a good trail. Norma was a voracious reader and crossword puzzle aficionado. She read as many as 7 books a week and worked every puzzle she could find. She was a member of Southern Hills Baptist Church for 44 years, attending weekly worship and contributing to her favorite charities. She always put her beloved family first, she was a fabulous cook and devoted care-giver whenever she was needed. Norma was deeply, loved as a wife, mother, sister, aunt and teacher. Her students adored her as well, often seeking her for guidance, a listening ear, and a compassionate, understanding heart. She will be deeply missed by so many who knew and loved her. Well done, Norma. RIP