(From Clark Funeral Home)Cynthia Lee Taylor Norman passed away at home on August 8, 2024 after a heroic battle with cancer.
Cindy was born on July 28th, 1948 in Columbia MO. She was later adopted as an infant and welcomed into the home of Leo and Norma Taylor, of Neosho MO, joining older brother James to complete the family.
As a child, Cindy enjoyed raising and training dogs, horses and the occasional roly-poly. She studied dance under Mary Beck and was later an assistant to Mary as well. She spent summers in Shell Knob, MO swimming, boating and water skiing with her brother Jim and her lifelong friend Sara (Jones) Burke.
As she got older, Cindy participated in rodeo events including barrel racing. She also enjoyed spending time at Piney Point on the Elk River with her BFF Marsha (McGinty) Coffman. Cindy recently confessed to skipping school with Marsha to go to the creek at Piney Point.
Cindy attended Neosho High School, graduating in 1966. She attended the University of Arkansas for three years followed by one year at Missouri Southern State College, taking 20 hours per semester and summer school so that she could still graduate in 4 years and begin her student teaching at Mark Twain Elementary in Webb City, MO.
Cindy married the love of her life, Cary Norman, on June 22, 1969 at the recently completed First Christian Church in Neosho. This was followed by an elegant backyard reception at her parent’s home. To this union were born Jason and Hailey. Cindy and Cary became close while working a summer job at Rock Lane Lodge in Branson, MO. They had a marriage of over 50 years. Their loving relationship served as an example of how to keep life fun and exciting. They were always trying new things and visiting places as far afield as Russia and Colombia.
Cindy attended Neosho High School, graduating in 1966. She attended the University of Arkansas for three years followed by one year at Missouri Southern State College, taking 20 hours per semester and summer school so that she could still graduate in 4 years and begin her student teaching at Mark Twain Elementary in Webb City, MO.
Cindy married the love of her life, Cary Norman, on June 22, 1969 at the recently completed First Christian Church in Neosho. This was followed by an elegant backyard reception at her parent’s home. To this union were born Jason and Hailey. Cindy and Cary became close while working a summer job at Rock Lane Lodge in Branson, MO. They had a marriage of over 50 years. Their loving relationship served as an example of how to keep life fun and exciting. They were always trying new things and visiting places as far afield as Russia and Colombia.
Together, they cultivated many close, lifelong friendships that set an example of how to live a rich, rewarding life full of love and true friendship. Cindy and Cary shared a dedication to serving their community. Cary preceded her in death in May of 2020. They are finally together again in the arms of God.
Cindy began her career as an educator at Benton Elementary, teaching third grade. She took a hiatus from teaching upon the birth of her son, Jason in 1974. She returned to teaching in 1984 after her daughter, Hailey started school. Cindy taught 4th grade at South School for the remainder of her career. Cindy was named Teacher of The Year in 2001. She served the Neosho School District for over 25 years as an educator. After retiring from the classroom in 2004 she served on school board from 2004 to 2010 as a member, and later as president, overseeing several capital improvement projects including Carver Elementary and Neosho High Renovation.
Cindy was loved by anyone who was fortunate enough to get to know her. She was a devoted wife to Cary. They were a dynamic team that could only be separated, temporarily, by Cary’s death. Cindy raised two successful children who loved her dearly and will be forever grateful for being raised in a household full of love, acceptance, encouragement and support. Her departure will leave a hole in their lives that can never be filled. She was also Mom to Jason and Hailey’s spouses Mya and Mark. She was Grammy to her grandson August who she doted on and spoiled endlessly. She shone the most brightly when she was treating Auggie to ice cream and trips to fun places. August was the only person that ever got her to ride an upside-down roller coaster, multiple times.
Cindy began her career as an educator at Benton Elementary, teaching third grade. She took a hiatus from teaching upon the birth of her son, Jason in 1974. She returned to teaching in 1984 after her daughter, Hailey started school. Cindy taught 4th grade at South School for the remainder of her career. Cindy was named Teacher of The Year in 2001. She served the Neosho School District for over 25 years as an educator. After retiring from the classroom in 2004 she served on school board from 2004 to 2010 as a member, and later as president, overseeing several capital improvement projects including Carver Elementary and Neosho High Renovation.
Cindy was loved by anyone who was fortunate enough to get to know her. She was a devoted wife to Cary. They were a dynamic team that could only be separated, temporarily, by Cary’s death. Cindy raised two successful children who loved her dearly and will be forever grateful for being raised in a household full of love, acceptance, encouragement and support. Her departure will leave a hole in their lives that can never be filled. She was also Mom to Jason and Hailey’s spouses Mya and Mark. She was Grammy to her grandson August who she doted on and spoiled endlessly. She shone the most brightly when she was treating Auggie to ice cream and trips to fun places. August was the only person that ever got her to ride an upside-down roller coaster, multiple times.
Finally, Cindy had the most amazing group of friends that a person could ever hope to have. During her battle with cancer and in Cary’s absence they stepped up and cared for her like the family that they are. Cindy has finally been reunited with her dear friend Denice Butler in heaven and they are planning a party for the rest of the crew when they arrive.
Cindy is survived by Jason and Mya Norman and their son August of Springdale AR, Hailey Norman and Mark Brut of Denver, CO. She is also survived by half siblings John Millner, Sue Reilly, Sue Cass, Sally Smith and Kurt Ummel. She was proceeded in death by her parents, brother and husband. She is also survived by a multitude of friends who serve as a testament to her kindness, generosity and fun spirit.
Visitation will be held at Clark Funeral Home in Neosho at 5:00-7:00 pm on Friday the 16th of August. Services will be held at the First Christian Church in Neosho at 10:00 Saturday the 17th of August.
Cindy has requested that donations be made to The First Christian Church and Habitat for Humanity. She was a frequent volunteer at both where, as in the rest of her life, she helped to make the world a better place.
Cindy is survived by Jason and Mya Norman and their son August of Springdale AR, Hailey Norman and Mark Brut of Denver, CO. She is also survived by half siblings John Millner, Sue Reilly, Sue Cass, Sally Smith and Kurt Ummel. She was proceeded in death by her parents, brother and husband. She is also survived by a multitude of friends who serve as a testament to her kindness, generosity and fun spirit.
Visitation will be held at Clark Funeral Home in Neosho at 5:00-7:00 pm on Friday the 16th of August. Services will be held at the First Christian Church in Neosho at 10:00 Saturday the 17th of August.
Cindy has requested that donations be made to The First Christian Church and Habitat for Humanity. She was a frequent volunteer at both where, as in the rest of her life, she helped to make the world a better place.
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