Norma Jean Wilcox

Norma Jean Wilcox, 98, passed away peacefully on March 22, 2026, at Paddock Springs in Warsaw, Indiana. Born on June 7, 1927, in Urbana, Indiana, to Burvia and Mable (Long) Hoover, Norma lived a life marked by devotion, love, and unwavering faith.

After graduating from high school, Norma married Marvia Wilcox on April 6, 1947. Together, they shared nearly sixty-two years of marriage, during which they were blessed with five children. Their journey together was not without hardship, as they endured the profound sorrow of losing their daughter, Karen. Throughout it all, Norma remained a steadfast mother and devoted homemaker, dedicating herself fully to her family.

Norma’s life was deeply rooted in her faith and her commitment to her church community. She was a faithful Christian woman who attended North Manchester Missionary Church and taught Sunday school for an inspiring fifty years. Her devout spirituality was a guiding force in her life and an enduring source of strength for those around her.

As a devoted farm wife, mother, and grandmother, Norma’s family meant the world to her. Her love and care extended beyond her immediate family to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, for whom she lovingly created picture books, ensuring that her stories and memories would live on. She was renowned for her exceptional culinary skills, especially for her angel food cakes, homemade noodles, pies, cookies, and her expertise in canning and freezing the bounty of the seasons.

Norma’s many talents and hobbies reflected her creative spirit and nurturing nature. She was an excellent seamstress, a dedicated gardener who cherished working among her flowers, and one who found joy in puzzles and writing poetry. She had a fondness for animals, who were among her favorite living beings, symbolizing the gentleness and kindness that defined her character.

The loving memory of Norma Jean Wilcox will be forever cherished by her children, Jane (Duane) Zentz, Bourbon, Mark (Judy) Wilcox, Silver Lake, Rodney (Jill) Wilcox, North Manchester and Scott (Kimberly) Wilcox, Urbana; siblings, Mary Schenkel, Irene (Larry) Donaldson, Nancy (Max) Neher, Larry (Janie) Hoover and Fred (Mel) Hoover; fifteen grandchildren; twenty-four great-grandchildren; and six great-great-grandchildren. Norma was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Marvia Wilcox; daughter, Karen Estep; siblings, Virgia Schnepp, Doris Mattern, Doyle Hoover, Ethel Fogel, and Harvey Hoover.

Family and friends may call Friday, March 27, 2026 from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at McKee Mortuary, 1401 State Road 114 West, North Manchester, Indiana. Funeral services will begin at the conclusion of calling with Pastor Ken Sistrunk officiating. Burial will be held at Memorial Lawns in Wabash, Indiana.

For those who wish to honor the memory of Norma Wilcox, memorial contributions may be made to the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, 1 Billy Graham Parkway, Charlotte, North Carolina 28201-0001.

The family of Norma Wilcox has entrusted McKee Mortuary with care and final arrangements.