A joyous reunion was held in Heaven late on March 1, 2022 when Norma Jean Symons Metz was reunited with her mother, Delma Mae Barnes Symons who passed a week after she was born, her Dad, Charles Edgar Symons (1970), her buddy and daughter, Holly (2003), her husband, Luther (2012) and Holly’s precious pups, Emma, Katie and Simon.

Norma was born December 16, 1930 and married her sweetheart right after graduation on July 5, 1948, Dad’s 19th birthday. Their son Ernie arrived a year later in July of 1949, with daughter Nancy following in 1952. Eight years went by before daughter Holly arrived in 1960, and became the light of our lives. Losing Holly in 2003 took a toll on all of us, but especially Mom and Dad.

When Holly was about 8 years old Mom attended Catherman’s Business School. Following school she worked at Rosenbaum’s, Cumberland Cloak and Suit and then the Luke Paper Mill as a secretary, first in Maintenance and then in Engineering.

Throughout their lives, Mom and Dad worked together on a large garden, canning food and giving away the rest, as well as helping his parents on their farm. They were rarely idle. Once retired they traveled to California, Branson Missouri, and to Hawaii and Alaska. They also went across the sea to visit England, Ireland and Scotland. They took many bus trips and made many new friends along the way.

 A member of Barton Methodist Church, Mom loved singing in the choir and taking part in the Ladies Friendly Helper’s Class. She helped with the rummage sales and making Bon Bons. As a young girl, Mom played the guitar, mandolin and sang.

Mom was the “cement” of our family, holding us all together. She had the most kind and loving heart for her family, friends, and everyone she met. She never complained, even in these last days when she had much to complain about. She was the strongest person I have ever known. She and Dad loved spending time with Megan as she grew up, taking her on many adventures with them, then later they enjoyed every minute they could see the grandsons.

Mom had a very large and loving family, and enjoyed get-togethers with them more than anything. She was preceded in death by both parents, her foster parents Ed and Ruth Symons Dye; step-mother, Nina Mongold Symons; brothers, Elwood “Woody” Symons, Tommy Symons, Bill Mongold, Joe “Dot” Mongold, Dave Mongold, Cecil and Connie Dye; sister, Shirley “Cookie” Mongold Broadwater; and brothers-in-law, Bill Clark and Jim Clark.

Left to mourn, but with many wonderful memories, are her son, Ernie and wife Jane; daughter, Nancy Radcliffe; granddaughter, Megan Pope and husband, Billy; and the most recent loves of her life, great grandsons, Tate Riggleman and Zane Pope. She also leaves behind her loving sister and “hair day” buddy, June Clark; sisters Nancy Crowe (Ivan), Diana Grady (Rob), and Kay Clark; brothers, Charles Symons (Rebecca), Jim Symons (Dana), Jack Mongold (Zinnia), Dick Mongold (Janet Hauger); brother-in-law, Sam Metz; and sister-in-law, Carol Spiker; as well as many nieces and nephews. She also leaves behind a former son-in-law, Mark Radcliffe (Susie); and former grandson-in-law, Dave Riggleman (Hannah).

Our family would like to thank Mom’s caregivers with all our hearts- Margie, Jodie, Laura and Esther- for helping us keep Mom in her home as she wished. She loved all of you and we are forever grateful. Mom and her girls enjoyed watching westerns. Mom often sang with Jodie, the last song I know of was, “When we all get to Heaven”.

“To live in hearts we leave behind is not to die”. We love you Mom and will miss you till we meet again on the other side.

Friends will be received at the Boal Memorial Chapel, Barton on Friday, March 4th from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m.

A funeral service will take place at the funeral home on Saturday, March 5th at 1:00 p.m. with Pastor Sandy Cowan officiating.