Norma Jean Smith

Norma Jean (Batty) Smith, 95, loving wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother, went home to be with Jesus and her beloved husband, Keith, on Saturday November 16, 2024.

Norma was born in Royal Center, Indiana to Willen Walker Batty and Ora Myrtle (Crispen) Batty on February 24, 1929.  She was the next to the youngest of 11 children with the 4 eldest children passing before she was born. She grew up on a farm with her remaining siblings…all girls. Her sisters, Lovie, Marie, Maxine, Eunice, Ruthalea and Verla are all deceased.  “Jean” (as she liked to be called) often helped her father with the outside chores on the family farm where they raised grain crops and animals while her older sibling sisters helped her mom.

After graduating high school she married the love of her life, Keith W. Smith on June 29th 1948, in a double wedding with her sister and on her parents wedding anniversary. Keith and Jean lived in Kewanna, Indiana along with their 3 children. While her children were young she stayed at home. At one time, Jean worked as a school cook to help with the family move to Kokomo, Indiana. In Kokomo, Jean was active in her church and enjoyed babysitting in her home and eventually worked at a flower shop. She was also an avid crocheter. After Keith retired, they spent their time in Harlingen, Texas during the winter.  While there she enjoyed church activities and was a 10-year Host volunteer at the Harlingen Public Schools and a volunteer at the local hospital. They would return to Lafayette, Indiana for the summer to enjoy their grandchildren and attend family events.

Norma was an active member of Arise Christian Fellowship and she and Keith prayed daily for their family.  Throughout their 74 years of marriage, Jean was a devoted wife showing loving support and was a wonderful example of love and faithfulness to all.

Surviving Jean are 3 children Timothy (Theresa deceased) Smith, Michael (Karen) Smith and a daughter, Pamela (Donald) Whitehead. Her grandchildren are Brian Smith (deceased), Patricia (Jeremy) Mills, Melissa (Dave) Allen, Angela Smith, Kerri (Brandon) Loft, David (Lanell) Whitehead, Ryan (Kate) Smith, Mark (Ashley) Whitehead, Rebekah (Matt) Ridenour, Katie (Blake) Noles, Emily (Jake) Gray along with 20 great grandchildren.

Visitation will be from 6:00-7:00 pm on Friday November 22, 2024, at Soller- Baker Lafayette Chapel, 400 Twyckenham Blvd, Lafayette with a celebration of life service following at 7:00 p.m.

Officiating will be Pastor Jeremy Mills with the Interment at Meadow View Cemetery on Saturday, November 23, at 10:30 am.

Memorial contributions may be made to Samaritan’s Purse at www.samaritanspurse.org.