Norma Highley

(From Mason-Woodard Mortuary)

Norma D. Highley of Webb City, Missouri passed away on Saturday March 26, 2022 at the age of 85.

Norma was born on August 5, 1936, at the house of her parents, Claude and Pansy Webb in Ottawa County, Oklahoma. She has lived in the Joplin/Webb City area since 1997. 

Norma retired from Northeastern Oklahoma A&M College in 1996 after 20 years of service. She then attended the Class Act Cosmetology School in Joplin, Missouri and received a Nail Technician degree. Norma opened “Norma’s Nails” in June 1998, and her business remained opened until the May 22, 2011 tornado destroyed both her home and her business. She then moved to Webb City, Missouri.

Norma married Gene Highley on December 14, 1990 in Miami, Oklahoma. She is survived by her three sons and their families: Tom Conklin and his wife Lisa of Edmond, Oklahoma; Marty Conklin and his wife Terri of Joplin, Missouri; Dan Conklin of Webb City, Missouri. Grandchildren and their families: Casey Conklin and his wife Angela of Monett, Missouri; Jacob Conklin and his wife Jeep of Joplin, Missouri; Kimberlie Conklin of Alton, Missouri; Brock Conklin of Joplin, Missouri; Kate Treat and her husband Jon of Edmond, Oklahoma; Dylan Conklin and his wife Jennifer of Edmond, Oklahoma; Carley Conklin of Ada, Oklahoma; Josh Conklin and his wife Lynsey of Collinsville, Illinois. She is also survived by nine great-grandchildren, and her beloved dog, Lilly Jo.

In addition to her children, Norma is survived by one sister, Barbara Frank and her husband Richard of Columbus, Kansas.

The family will receive friends on Thursday from 6:00-7:00 p.m. at Mason-Woodard Mortuary. The funeral service is scheduled for 1:00 p.m. Friday at Mason-Woodard Chapel. Burial will follow at Glen Abbey Memorial Gardens, in Miami, Oklahoma.