In Loving Memory of Norma Jean Batton

Norma Jean Batton, a soft-hearted and kind soul, passed away peacefully on October 19, 2025, at the age of 91 in Orange Park, Florida.

Born Norma Jean Sailors on May 13, 1934, in Dogwood, Missouri. Norma was a true lady in every sense—gracious, generous, intelligent, and always ready to lend a helping hand.

She fell in love with and married her high school sweetheart, Jimmie Dale (Jim) Batton, in St. Louis, Missouri. Together, they built a life in Blytheville, Arkansas, raising their family with unwavering values of trust, respect, and love.

She was a loving, devoted wife and mother. She is survived by her three daughters: Patricia (Batton) Addy, Karen (Batton) Kluza (Mark), and Cheryl (Batton) Gildner; six grandchildren: Heath Gill-Valdez (Melanie), Alycia Valdez, Nicole (Valdez) Brindisi (Mike), Christina (Valdez) Coldiron (David), John Morris (Lindsey), and Michael Batton (Sarah); and four great-grandchildren: Hazel Coldiron, Clara Coldiron, Sergio Brindisi, and Alex Brindisi.

She was preceded in death by her mother, Hazel Heath Nicholson; her beloved husband of 70 years, Jim Batton; and her son, Jimmie Dale (Dale) Batton (Diane).

Norma's commitment to her community was tireless. In Blytheville, she was an active member of the First Presbyterian Church, the P.T.A., Red Cross, Junior Auxiliary, UNICEF for handicapped children, Girl Scouts, and the YMCA Board. She also founded the Little Theatre Group. After moving to Orange Park, Florida in 1973, she continued her community service as President of the Orange Park Coterie and as an active member of the Friends of the Orange Park Library. She played a key role in revitalizing the Republican Party in Clay County and was honored to attend President Ronald Reagan's inauguration in Washington, D.C.

Norma will be remembered for her elegant style, warm hospitality, and radiant smile. Her home was a haven filled with laughter, games, and the comforting aroma of gourmet Southern cooking and fresh flowers. She was a talented seamstress, avid reader, passionate traveler, and a brilliant bridge player—always eager to share her love of games with her children and grandchildren.

Her legacy of love, kindness, and service will live on in the hearts of her family, friends, and the many lives she touched.

Visitation will be held from 3:00 p.m. until the funeral hour at 4:00 p.m., Monday, October 27, 2025, at Dogwood United Methodist Church in Dogwood, Missouri. Dawn Walters of East Prairie will officiate.

A sunset interment to follow at Dogwood Cemetery under the direction of McMikle Funeral Home of Charleston, Missouri.

In lieu of flowers, plants and gift items, the family requests memorial contributions may be made to Dogwood United Methodist Church Memorial Fund, c/o Tammi Hutcheson, 204 S. 411 Road, East Prairie, MO 63845.

Online condolences may be shared at www.mcmiklefuneralhome.com.