Norma Lee Mapes, 88, ascended into heaven on Sunday, November 26, 2023.

Norma was born on February 12, 1935, in Coffeyville, Kansas to the late Homer and Thelma Wooster.

She is survived by family members including: her brother Arthur Wooster, her daughter Victoria DesPrez (Kert), her son John Mapes Jr. (Theresa) and her 9 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren.

Daughter of a railroad executive, Norma traveled across the U.S.  As a little girl she lived in Los Angeles during the Japanese Encampment, which impacted her greatly.  Later, she moved to the Mojave Desert, where she played with children from the neighboring Indian village. Norma’s experience witnessing cultural misappropriation saddened her heart and she often found ways to create positive relationships regardless of station.  Her compassion and strong faith led her to work in the church where she was a loved Sunday school teacher.  She often wore a mustard seed on her clothing to remind her and those around her how God creates something beautiful and strong from the smallest speck. Upon living in Arizona, she met the love of her life, Jack Mapes.  They shared 64 years of marriage until his passing.  For 22 years, they shared an adventurous journey traveling across the US.  In Norma’s later years she enjoyed cooking and taking her grandkids to the library.  She was an advocate for children and placed importance on education.  Norma’s legacy lives on through her children and grandchildren.

A visitation will be on Monday, December 4, 2023 from 5:00pm – 8:00pm at the Crowder Funeral Home in La Marque,  funeral service will be at 7:00pm with Elder Johnathan Coit officiating.

Norma will be laid to rest next to her late husband, Jack, at the Houston National Cemetery.