The Richmond News, June 28, 2023

Norma Griffey

Norma Jean (Smart) Griffey, 97, of Kansas City passed away peacefully on Thursday, June 22, 2023, at Tiffany Springs Rehab Center in Kansas City. Norma Jean was born on May 12, 1926, in Vibbard, the daughter of James W. and Maude A. (Popejoy) Smart. She attended Isley Elementary and Excelsior Springs High School, graduating in 1943, and married her high school sweetheart, J.C. Griffey, on April 2, 1944.

She became an accomplished secretary and office manager during her working career, culminating as vice president of the Atlantic Airline Training School in Kansas City. She and J.C. traveled extensively in their RV after retirement in 1976, eventually choosing Harlingen, Texas, for their winter home. She loved to travel, read, paint, and decorate family and friends’ homes.

Family was all-important to Norma Jean and J.C. Norma Jean is survived by her brother, James A. Smart (Carol) of Edwardsville, Kan.; her and J.C.’s three children, Pamela J. Petitt (Ron) of Kansas City, Cynthia A. Fay of Indianapolis and David A. Griffey (Shelley) of Kansas City; five grandchildren, Michelle Smith, Jason Carter, Joshua Carter (Lydia), Justin Griffey and Jonathan Griffey (Dalion); and six great-grandchildren, Mason, Mackenzie, Elijah, Addison, Gavin and Ashton.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her beloved J.C.; her granddaughter, Jennifer A. Carter; and her sister, Betty Cox.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be made to Ascend Hospice; 4550 W. 109th St.; Overland Park, KS 66211.

Private family inurnment will take place on Saturday, July 8, in Sunny Slope Cemetery, Richmond. Thurman Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.

Please share your memories of Norma with the family by visiting www.thurmanfuneralhome.com.