There was one hell of party in heaven as Norma Jean Rose Vrabel sashayed through the pearly gates on August 12, 2019. Heaven, no doubt, is now filled with doo-wop music, the sounds of slot machine bells, and lots of laughter as she was reunited with her beloved family that passed before her. We are confident that she is teaching everyone how to polka, line dance, and jitterbug.
Known as Norma Jean, Jean, Jeanie, Norm, mom, ma, and her favorite term of endearment, Gigi, she was a force to be reckoned with, with her high energy, fierce love of family, and love of a good time. For years to come, family and friends will reminisce of the parties and holiday gatherings celebrated in her home. She believed that more was more, and you were sure to leave her home with a full belly, a lighter heart, and enough leftovers for a week. Jean never met a stranger and opened her home to everyone. Her auto insurance agent will mourn a significant pay cut as Jean most definitely missed her calling as a demolition derby driver. She even made a boat fly once (which landed high up in a cottonwood tree!). For many years Jean ran a beauty shop out of her home in Campbell, Ohio, and years later she and Jerry ran their own custom jewelry store, Gerjean’s, in Edmond, Oklahoma. Jean never met a craft she couldn’t master. Her sewing, jewelry designs, stained glass, floral arrangements, gift wrapping, and home decorating left everyone in awe. Hobby Lobby and Michaels will notice a loss in sales, and our lives will have a little less sparkle and bling. Marrying her high school sweetheart, Jerry, in 1961, they began their journey together that took them from Campbell, Ohio, to Gahanna, Ohio, then to Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. From there they moved to the Florida cities of Pembroke Pines, Fort Pierce, and Sebring, making their final home in Gordonville, Texas, near the shores of Lake Texoma.
Jean was preceded in death by her parents, Buel and Lucy Rose, and is survived by husband Jerry, daughters Vicki MacHale, Dawn O’Neil, and Beth Ketchum (Kenny), grandsons Sean MacHale, Chris MacHale, Justin McGee, and Thomas-Jay O’Neil, granddaughters Adrienne O’Neil and Catherine Ecker, sisters Patricia Halus (Thomas) and Debra Rose, sister-in-law Patricia Vrabel, dogs Alli and Tess, and numerous family and friends.
There will be a private burial with family and a public celebration of life at a later date. Cremation arrangements are under the direction of Meador Funeral Home of Whitesboro.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital in her name.
Am so very very sorry for your loss but I know Jeanie is celebrating with her lord.
A life lived to the fullest!
Wow… that was an amazing write up. It brought my Aunt Norma to life for me. I remember Norma with my grandma,Mom and I think Trish taking me to Canton to win my first golf tournament. No one diminished my accomplishment; even though, I was the only one in my age group. Norma and Gerald had a red Falcon and my mom called it a bug. We were flying down the back roads and went airborne over a severe bump. I am pretty sure that was Norma’s first go around with her insurance agent. Then there was the time I brought my hair piece to Her before my senior prom. How very talented she was. You know if it were not for Gerald and Norma, I might not have ever ventured out of Ohio. It was right after the steel mills closed. It was with their support that I took a chance. I resigned from Hubbard and off We went with no jobs and a dream. That decision altered the course of my life.In OKC, I got to frequently experience the marvelous cook she was. Norma was so kind. She opened her home to us and never once expressed frustration over the fact we stayed for weeks. I remember finding out she and my Uncle were moving to Florida. I felt such joy knowing my beloved Aunt and Uncle were moving to south Florida.My Aunt loved her family and friends. I will forever be grateful for her generosity and love.
Beth and Family,
My sincere condolences on the passing of your beautiful Mom. Growing up, your Mom became my second Mom welcoming me into your home most every weekend and holidays. I have such wonderful memories of her decorating (still remember the colorful felt turkey at Thanksgiving), fantastic sense of humor and above all her amazing cooking. Loved that she made me Matzo Ball Chicken Soup. My soup has never come even close and I’ve thought about that often. She was an amazing lady! I Hope your family finds comfort in her memory. Love, Michele Krueger
Michele, My mom thought the world of you. She loved you like a daughter. I hope you are well. Love, Beth
Vic, so sorry for your loss. So glad you moved closer to your Mom and was able to spend more time with her. Losing a parent is horrific, knowing you were there for her will help you as you grieve. I am here for you, whatever you need. I know you are hurting, prayers for you and your family!
Jerry,
I know it is a hard time for you and the family. I remember going to a party or two at your house in OKC. Always felt the love and fun times. Sending you positive thoughts.
Dennis Beres
Like most.. Jeanne was so much fun to b with! Our memories w the Vrabel family is in OKC. Jeanne made every task fun.. from the preparation of opening Gerjeans to the numerous party meals thrown together. Heaven definitely got more laughter & bling❤️
Thank you for sharing such wonderful memories .i went to school with Norma and she was everything you have shared and more.How lucky you are to be called family and how lucky i am to also have been part of her world and to be called friend.may she rest in the arms of God
Thank you for sharing such wonderful memories.I went to school with Norma and have fond memories of the good times we shared -she was everything you shared.How lucky we are to have been part of her world.May she rest in the arms of God .
Missing you Mom
Love you Aunt Norma Jean.
My heart goes out to you and yours. Never had the privilege to meet this fine woman but I know she’s left behind a powerful legacy and a wonderful family.
Norma always looked fabulous. She looked great in anything she wore and never had a hair out of place. The tribute really showed what a fun loving person she was. god Bless all of you. Love, Jean Peters Poulos
My condolences Jerry! What a wonderful obituary you honored her with!! Big hugs to you my friend at this difficult time.
Sincere condolences and prayers to Jerry, Patty, Tom, and Debbie on Norma Jean’s passing.
We all grew up together on Whipple Avenue and had so many fun and crazy times together. I must say that Norma Jean was the “Queen of Craziness”. She had Patty and me do crazy things like trying to collect money by going door-to-door selling pictures we colored and saying that we were with the Girl Scouts! Patty and I were so naive that we just did what Norma told us to do!
Norma Jean always looked “so fine” in her “TM” (tailor made) skirts!
May you rest in peace, Norma Jean; we will smile each time we think of you!
Sincerely, John and Georgia (Dann) Neel
I remember growing up with Norma Jean and her fun loving times and her mischevious antics. She was very creative even at that time and always trying to do something different like wanting to “peroxide” my hair so I could have blond streaks which my Mother said no since I was in the 5th grade and Norma Jean was in the 6th grade. Such a fun loving person to know!lquinn
Rest in peace my beautiful mother.
Beautifully written obituary for a beautiful lady. She was always welcoming and loving. Prayers for all to find peace in your time of sorrow. Eternal rest grant unto you…..
I send my sympathy and prayers to Norma Jean’s family.
As an adolescent and as a teenager, Norma Jean presented me with challenges in being a friend to my daughter Loretta. Norma Jean thought that I was too strict!!
I am proud to say that, as an adult, Norma Jean was a great wife and a great Mother and was one of my favorite hairdressers!
You will be in my prayers, Norma Jean; may you rest in peace!
So sorry for your loss. We have fond memories from when you all lived in Oklahoma City. We always felt at home when we came over. You all still have a special place in our hearts. Heaven is filled with laughter and joy with Jeannie’s presence.
NormaJean,
You were a pain in the ass, but you were my pain in the ass. I’ve loved you for 60 years and always will.
Jerry and Family
My heart is saddened for the loss of a life well lived. Jeanie was a beautiful wife, mother, gigi, sister and friend. She loved her family with a passion as she touched so many lives the same way. We were all lucky to be in her life.
The obituary was written so perfectly, as all of you captured her all the way,,,thank you. She will be in our hearts always with many memories. I send my love and prayers to all.
Ginger
Jerry,
Sorry for your loss. A nice comment that you made. I remember her at some of the OKC get togethers and Norma’s cowgirl boots. Our thoughts with you.
Rick
I will miss you Jeanie. Enjoyed what little time we had to get to know each other. God Bless your soul.
Best Obituary I’ve ever read
The Webber Family will always feel big love for “Our Jean”, as she cared for the Webber kids when they were very small. She even assisted with middle of the night feedings and cuddling of the Webber Twins when they were infants. She was a surrogate grandmother and good friend to both The Watts and Webber Clans. Her bright light will definitely be missed.
They say there is a reason
They say that time will heal
But neither time nor reason
Will change the way we feel.
For no one knows the heartache
that lies behind our smiles,
No one knows how many times
we have broken down and cried.
We want to tell you something
so there won’t be any doubt,
You’re so wonderful to think of
but so hard to be without.
We cannot bring the old days back,
when we were all together
The family chain is broken now,
but memories live forever.
Unknown
I am so sorry for the loss of my sweet friend… She called me in Amarillo when she was at the Carrus facility, (butt dial)? She learned I was there during the days my brother was in Hospice, she gave me sweet words of sympathy… I had been to see her
But she was asleep, so left some magazines… and explained that I did get to her room… and could not wake her up that day…
Memorial Day weekend.., was a beautiful day with this family & even though she was having back pain, she was the best hostess & everything was perfect…
I cherish my fun memories with Jean playing slots & eating lunch together..
She was elegant.., always dressed to the max! A truly beautiful person inside & out!
Sending Love to her husband Jerry & family today… It was my honor to b her Friend…. I will miss her….
Jerry,
So sad to hear this news, our thoughts are with you and your family in these difficult times. Beautiful obituary that really says how much she will be missed.
Always accommodating and the life of the party. Always welcomed us. Love you aunt Jeanie.
What a beautiful tribute to such a wonderful lady! May God Bless your family and all of those who loved you so much!
Jeanie will be missed by so many. She was a great friend to us and made our time in Oak City something to remember. Loved her never ending enthusiasm for everything she did. She leaves a hole in all our hearts.