Norma Lee Stephens was called home to be with her Lord and Savior on November 20, 2021. Norma was born in Parrish Alabama on July 31, 1929 to parents William Major Handley and Lila Mae (Key) Handley.
Norma was raised in Alabama and embraced the southern ways of life. She married the love of her life, Belton (Steve) Shaw Stephens on September 19, 1946 in Parrish, Alabama. Steve excelled in his military career and as part of that military life, they traveled to and lived in many different destinations. Ultimately, Alaska ended up being home. Their lives were enriched with the raising of three children, Belton Shaw Jr., Betsy Shawn and Richard William.
For Norma, family meant everything. She was involved in all of her children’s lives and was always ready to listen and offer her advice and help. Her joy only increased with the arrival of grandchildren. She was blessed to have five grandchildren, Kori, Kris, Sarah, James and Job. She loved them all unconditionally and enjoyed being a part of their lives and watching them grow up. In her role as grandmother, she soon became “Nanny” to almost everyone who knew her. To see Nanny hold and spend time with her great grandchildren were cherished and special times. She had seven great grandchildren that she loved and adored, Josi, Addison, Blake, Britney, Kinley Mae, Paxson, and Spyris.
Norma and Steve had many opportunities to see the world. In retirement they continued to enjoy travel with visits in foreign lands and within the United States, visiting family, old friends and always making new friends along the way.
Our family was truly blessed to have a Nanny and Papa to love us all. They shared their wisdom, guided us, shared all they had with us, gave us space to grow and most of all, just appreciated us for who we are and loved us.
Mom can never be replaced, and she will always be remembered with love and appreciated for all that she did for us. We will remember her in many of the small things that we come across in our daily lives and always for her strength, her faith and love of her family.
She was preceded in death by her husband, parents and her brother, Paul Handley. She is survived by her sister, Pauline Nesbitt, her three children, five grandchildren and seven great grandchildren as well as nieces, nephews and countless friends met along life’s journey. She will be laid to rest beside her husband of over 65 years at Angelus Memorial Park, Anchorage, Alaska. In lieu of any flowers or donations, we ask that you consider doing a kind deed for someone in need as that is what Nanny would have liked. We love you Nanny.
To share a memory or send a condolence gift, please visit the Official Obituary of Norma Lee (Handley) Stephens hosted by Legacy Funeral Homes and Cremation Services.