Norma Jean (Gard) Slayton

Norma Jean (Gard) Slayton was welcomed into the arms of her Lord on Wednesday, June 26, 2024, in San Antonio, TX, her loving husband and partner of 70 years, Bill W. Slayton, by her side.

Services will be held Monday, July 1 at Mulkey-Mason Funeral Home, 740 Edmonds Ln, Lewisville, TX 75067. Viewing will be 10:00 – 11:00 am, Services at 11:00 am, brief graveside at Greenwood Cemetery (northeast of Decatur, TX) to follow.

Norma Jean was born August 9, 1933, in Drumright, Oklahoma to Cassius Earl and Althea Gard.She was the first of four children, Bobby, Maxine, and Cordellia, all of whom proceeded her in  death. Cassius worked in the oil field and followed the flow of oil to locations in New Mexico and Texas. After settling in Lubbock, Texas in her teen years, Norma met the love of her life, Billy.

The energetic and mischievous couple settled into a romance, leading them to a wedding on August 1, 1953. Billy accepted the call of the Lord on his life, and they moved to Ft. Worth to attend seminary. Two children were born, Ralph Dennis (R.D.) and Londa Renee. Norma attended secretarial school and became a church secretary for over 45 years, accompanying the now Bill W. to pastorates in Ft. Worth, Dumas, Athens, and Farmers Branch/Carrollton Texas.

Norma was well known for her sewing, being featured in the local paper for making a wedding dress from scratch for her daughter from the model of a doll Londa had while growing up. Her granddaughters Amber, Brooke, Bethany, and Brianna were known for the frilly church dresses she made for them throughout their elementary aged years. In addition, Norma would collaborate with her siblings Cordellia and Maxine in putting on some magnificent feasts at the holidays, anchored by baking some of the delicious cake and pie recipes her husband brought home from his travels preaching. Norma applied her organizing skills in planning and preparing for the logistics of Sunday School growth campaigns and church banquets, leading an army of volunteers for over 60 years in ministry with Bill. Truly a great host of witnesses were gathered to welcome Norma home to be with her Savior. Norma's greatest pride and joy was her family, and her legacy is to be known as MeMee to her own grandchildren and many others who she influenced over the years.

Norma is survived by her husband, Bill W. Slayton, her son, R.D. Slayton (spouse Sherry) and her daughter, Londa (spouse Barry); Six grandchildren Alex, Amber, Brooke, Clint, Bethany, and Brianna (in order by age); eight great-grandchildren Riley, Lexi, Jacob, Paxton, Grady, Lilly, Tripp, and Kate (in order by age). She is proceeded in death by one grandson, Brent.