Norma Jean Hendricks, 94, of Parsons died at 12:01 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 22, 2025, at the Parsons Presbyterian Manor.
She was born Jan. 3, 1931, in Parsons to William C. and Helen M. (Wilkins) Smith. She grew up in Parsons and graduated from Parsons High School in 1949. She graduated from Parsons Junior College in 1950 and attended the University of Kansas, where she was a member of Sigma Sigma Sigma sorority.
On June 21, 1953, she married Ensign Albert Traver Hendricks at the First Baptist Church of Parsons. They lived in Corpus Christi, Texas, Norfolk, Virginia, and Quonset Point, Rhode Island, before returning to Parsons to live. Al Hendricks preceded her in death on June 8, 2023.
Norma Jean was active in Job’s Daughters during her school years. Later she was active in both Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts as her children were young. She had been a member of Beta Sigma Phi, the Coterie Club, the High School Football Booster Club, Bowling League and several bridge groups (including the Lake Ladies Bridge Club). She was a member of the P.E.O. Sisterhood. She was active in the Stella Wells Christmas Basket program and joined its leadership team in 1982, serving in that capacity for many, many years.
She had been employed at Parsons Motors, was a substitute teacher for the Parsons School District and worked at LaForge and Budd Construction Co. for 12 years. For many years she was active as a Pink Lady with the Labette County Medical Center Auxiliary.
In retirement, Norma Jean and Al enjoyed many hobbies and took over 18 cruises throughout the world. Her major joy was being with her many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
She was an active member of the Wesley United Methodist Church, the Growing Christians Sunday School Class and the Grab and Go Ministry.
Survivors are four children, Randy Hendricks (Martha) of Tulsa, Oklahoma, Barry Hendricks (Martha) of Houston, Texas, Darece Hellon (Steve) of Blue Springs, Missouri, and Wes Hendricks of St. Maarten Island; 12 grandchildren; and several great-grandchildren.
The memorial service will be at 1 p.m. Friday, Feb. 28, at the Wesley United Methodist Church with the Rev. Taud Boatman officiating.
The family suggests memorials to the Wesley United Methodist Church or the Stella Wells Christmas Basket Fund. They may be left at or sent to the funeral home, P.O. Box 942, Parsons, KS, 67357.
Leave online messages at www.wallfuneralservices.com.
