Nancy J. Norman
Not many people can say they had two funerals; however, Nancy J. Norman can say that. She wanted her “funeral” to be when she was living, so her family gathered friends and family at a celebration, and everyone got to say what they would say at her funeral. Many of those talks were about her sense of humor that was unstoppable and her notorious “Pollock jokes”. Her love of her church (Church on Fire & later Bridge of Hope) and most important was how she led her family as the Matriarch teaching them and praying for them daily to know Jesus. On June 25, 2022, at St. Andrews Health Campus, in Batesville, surrounded by her family, she took her last breath and went to be with her Lord and Savior. As she left the facility with the funeral director the family played “I’ll Fly Away.” It was a beautiful tribute to a beautiful lady.
Nancy joined this world on December 18, 1938, born in Harrison, Ohio, to Walter J. and Beulah (nee Smith) Zarnoch. Ironically, she was born above the Harrison Home Bakery, where her family says her love of desserts started. Her favorite saying was to “eat dessert first because you just never know…” She worked for Campbell Hausfeld for many years to support her family but most of all to support her therapy …. “Retail therapy”. Nancy also enjoyed the simple things in life especially a good sunrise or sunset, clogging, and watching her T.V. game shows and Dr. Phil. She loved to travel… anytime, anywhere and with anyone.
Her family, which she prayed for daily, will miss her dearly, however Nancy’s memories will live on in the hearts and minds of every one of them starting with her children: Debbie (Mike) Bischoff, Teresa Bailey, Doug (Terri) Norman, & Sherri Schmidt; bonus son: Tony (Lisa) Vermillion; cherished grandchildren: Cheryl (Leon) Boggs, Jason (Katie) Bailey, Shawn Haase, Crystal (Matthew) Ryan, Trena Walker, Dr. Curtis (Missy) Schmidt Col, USA, Douglas S. (Charlotte) Norman, Matthew (Danielle) Bailey, Daryl Schmidt, Joshua Kessler, Danessa (Nathan) Furnish; beloved great grandchildren: Tiffany Anderson, Cody Bailey, Hannah Johnson, Kristen (Colton) Peak, Jimmy Johnson, Levi, Luke & Asher Ryan, Braden & Ben Walker, Joel, Adam & Micah Norman, Layne, Brooklyn, Daisy & Gracie Bailey, Corbin, Kasche, Mahala & Kaia Schmidt, Keegan Kessler, Caden, Simon & Monty Furnish, Hunter & Jacob Boggs. Nancy was also blessed to be a great great grandmother to: Kaycee “Bella” Walston, Jeremy Brown, Sammy Vincent, Gabby “Rosie” Heidorn, Chelsea & Everett Roth. Nancy was also the sister of Pat (Charlie) Thomas and Bev Rodgers. She was also survived by the father of her children: Vernon Norman; many nieces, nephews, church family and her care takers at St. Andrews & The Chateau of Batesville that were her extended family. Nancy was preceded in death by her parents: Walter J. and Beulah (nee Smith) Zarnoch; and her brother: John Zarnoch.
Visitation was held on Tuesday, June 28, 2022, from 5 pm to 7 pm and on Wednesday from 10 am to 11 am at Brater Winter Funeral Home, Harrison, OH. Funeral Services followed on Wednesday, June 29, 2022, at 11 am with Pastor Douglas Norman, Pastor Doug Combs & Pastor Pete Witt officiating. Burial was held at Friendship Akers Cemetery in Friendship, IN.
The family asks that memorials be made to Abraham’s Blessings International, where water is life or to Bridge the Gap ministries, who feeds the homeless in downtown Cincinnati. The funeral home will be accepting memorials during the services and if you are unable to attend you can mail your donation to the funeral home and they will notify the family of your donation. Brater Winter Funeral Homes, 201 S. Vine St, Harrison, OH 45030, has been entrusted with the arrangements.
