Norma Jean "Strother" Garner

Norma Jean “Strother” Garner Norma was 79 and passed away on March 14, 2024, at her home in Canton, Ohio. Norma was born June 14, 1944, in Cadiz, Ohio, to the late Frank Edgar & Rosetta “Hython” Strother. She was one of 12 children born in that union. Norma was proceeded in death by seven of her siblings: Bessie Mae Smith, John E Strother, Rhoda E Christian, Anna “Roonie” Reed, Wilford “Sidney” Strother, Harry Thomas “Tommy” Strother & Sara Jo Banks. On July 20, 1963, Norma married Frederick Garner. Four children were born from that union: three sons and one daughter. Roderick J (deceased), Valerie Ann, Clifton Eric (deceased) & Michael Frederick (deceased). Norma was a homemaker and took good care of her family. She would get up early in the morning to prepare breakfast and lunch for Fred before he went to work. She also loved baking, and it would be nothing for her to make dozens of cookies for her children to take to school to share with their class. Norma loved to watch movies, and if she had seen the movie before, as you watched it with her, she would tell you everything that was going to happen next. Norma loved jewelry and had acquired a nice collection. In the summertime, you knew when she was cleaning the house because you would hear Al Green playing on the record player.

Norma and Fred were baptized together as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses on February 27, 1977, and enjoyed serving Jehovah God hand in hand. Fred was the love of her life. She lovingly supported him in everything which included his theocratic and secular duties. When you saw one you saw both. Although she had children of her own, she showed motherly love to all who were in need. She made you feel special no matter your age. Even when she was not feeling her best, she was always loving and kind. She loved being a devoted servant of Jehovah and taught many beautiful qualities without speaking a word. Her love for Jehovah was in every aspect of her life, that’s what made her who she was. She did not meet a stranger and would find a way to talk to whoever she met about Jehovah. She left a positive impact on many people’s lives. Jehovah will never forget her and nor will those of us who knew and loved her. Norma passed away after celebrating 60 years of marriage to Fred. She is survived by her husband Fred and their daughter, Valerie Ann Garner of Canton. Along with four siblings: William” Bill” Strother (Elvia) of Kentucky, Beverly “Bev” “Bea” Mason, and Leota “Kay” Christian (George), both of Cadiz. Richard “Buck” Strother of Florida. A Daughter in law: Sharea Garner of Cleveland. Five Grandchildren: Darren Jerome “DJ” Alexander II, and Diamond Alexander, Erica (Aaron) Seay; and Shamar Garner, of Cleveland & Michael Garner of Denver, CO. Four Great grandchildren: Amina, Milan, Maliyah, Darren Jerome “Trey” III, and many nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, March 30, 2024, 3:00pm at Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses located at 9811 Miles Ave, Cleveland, Ohio 44105. Condolences and special memories of Norma can be shared with her family online at www.heritagecremationsociety.com

Heritage Cremation & Burial Society\
(330) 875-7550