IN MEMORY OF Merlyn Larter Norris
May 31, 1928-November 2, 2018
Merlyn Norris loved dancing, playing Bingo, cooking, and sewing.
“Most of all, she dearly loved her six children, and was a devoted mother,” her eldest daughter, Laura Lambeth, said. “She also had an alluring and dazzling smile and just loved being with people.”
Merlyn was nicknamed “Merlie” when she was a child, went by “Suzie” for a time in her mid-years, and always preferred “Marilyn” over Merlyn as she felt it was more feminine than her birth name.
Merlyn was called to the Lord early Friday morning on November 2, 2018, after suffering from illnesses related to Alzheimer’s disease. Visitation will be from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 8, at Castillo Mission Funeral Home. The funeral service, officiated by the Rev. Kathy Moore of North West Assembly of God, is scheduled at 10 a.m. Friday, Nov. 9, in the Castillo Home Chapel. Interment will follow at San Fernando Cemetery III.
Born in Salmon, ID, on May 31, 1928, Merlyn tragically lost her mother when she was two years old. Her beloved older sister, whom she idolized, died of a burst appendix when Merlie was just seven years old. Her father worked for the railroad and was gone for long periods of time, so her grandparents and aunts took turns taking care of her until she graduated from Westwood High School in Marysville, CA. She then went on to cosmetology school.
Soon after, Merlyn, who had captivating hazel eyes and a warm, welcoming smile, met Hubert G. Lambeth. The dapper young former soldier had just returned from the European battles of WWII and was a bright, promising restaurant manager where Merlyn held a job. Their marriage changed the direction of her life as she became a career mother. Hubert rejoined the Army and swept her away to many places throughout the United States and overseas. Often she managed the family and household on her own until she and their children could join him. Frequently this meant that she had the responsibility of moving the growing family and household by herself.
At age 20, she and her firstborn (daughter Laura) left San Antonio and sailed to Japan to reunite with her husband who was taking part in that country’s restoration. “I was ‘made in Japan,’ but born in Texas, USA,” her second daughter, Judith, quipped. She explained, “My sister, at 18 months, developed a tumor on the back of her neck, so we had to fly back to San Antonio, where I was born.”
In San Antonio, local friends taught the vivacious mother how to make Tex-Mex cheese enchiladas. The hot and spicy dish became so popular that her children begged her to make them. As a special treat, she often made them for birthday parties while their talented father served Shirley Temples for the children and daiquiris for the adults.
Merlyn, who had a certain beauty about her that reminded people of the young and stunning Queen Elizabeth II, loaded up the family and moved to various military assignments, including five years on a secluded coastal Army post tucked behind the bushy, rolling hills behind Sausalito, CA, across the Golden Gate Bridge from San Francisco. In 1961, she packed up her five children, including a newborn, leading the way to faraway, enchanting Okinawa. She loved living there, where she learned to sew gorgeous, brightly colored kimonos for Japanese dolls and took up square dancing with her fun-loving husband and older daughters.
After nearly 20 years as a devoted housewife and mother, Merlyn dusted off a typewriter to develop her office skills. Eventually she worked for the government, holding demanding positions that included White Sands Missile Range, N.M., and the Immigration and Naturalization Service in downtown El Paso, TX.
In 1990 she returned to San Antonio so that her youngest daughter, Angela, could go to college. Retired and looking for ways to have fun, she began dancing at least twice a week. She loved walking in the fresh air and taught a Sit and Be Fit exercise class in her retired seniors’ apartments. A few years later she discovered that she enjoyed playing Bingo with her longtime companion, Michael Tonetti, and was thrilled when she won. She also loved traveling to El Paso and Reno, NV, to enjoy her sons and their families. Her two grandchildren in El Paso began calling her, “Grandma San Antonio.”
Always kissing and hugging her loved ones, and never showing favoritism because she loved them all, she often was heard to say, “I love you more,” when she was lovingly told, “I love you, Mom.” She will be missed so much.
Merlyn is survived by six children: Laura Ann Lambeth and companion, Jack Calhoun; Judith Rae Bruni and husband, Mark; Lige Albert Lambeth and wife Deborah Kay; James Rodney Lambeth; Thomas Wade Lambeth; Angela Mary Repa and husband Mark; daughter-in-law Janet Marie Lambeth; grandchildren Kevin James Lambeth and wife Karem; Kelly Marie Lambeth; Abigail Joy Repa; Daniel Charles Proper; Jennifer Lynn Allred; four great-grandchildren; cousins Lew and Ren Greene; several nieces and a nephew.
Pallbearers will be: Lige Lambeth, James Lambeth, Kevin Lambeth, Kelly Lambeth, Mark Bruni, and Mark Repa.
In lieu of flowers, if preferred, donations may be made in Merlyn’s memory to North West Assembly of God and/or the Alzheimer’s Association.
The family would like to thank CIMA Hospice and Park Lane West respite for taking such good care of their sweet mother for the last four years. Additionally, much appreciation and love to long-time family friend Deborah Hardin and Northwest Assembly of God church members.
www.everloved.com
May 31, 1928-November 2, 2018
Merlyn Norris loved dancing, playing Bingo, cooking, and sewing.
“Most of all, she dearly loved her six children, and was a devoted mother,” her eldest daughter, Laura Lambeth, said. “She also had an alluring and dazzling smile and just loved being with people.”
Merlyn was nicknamed “Merlie” when she was a child, went by “Suzie” for a time in her mid-years, and always preferred “Marilyn” over Merlyn as she felt it was more feminine than her birth name.
Merlyn was called to the Lord early Friday morning on November 2, 2018, after suffering from illnesses related to Alzheimer’s disease. Visitation will be from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 8, at Castillo Mission Funeral Home. The funeral service, officiated by the Rev. Kathy Moore of North West Assembly of God, is scheduled at 10 a.m. Friday, Nov. 9, in the Castillo Home Chapel. Interment will follow at San Fernando Cemetery III.
Born in Salmon, ID, on May 31, 1928, Merlyn tragically lost her mother when she was two years old. Her beloved older sister, whom she idolized, died of a burst appendix when Merlie was just seven years old. Her father worked for the railroad and was gone for long periods of time, so her grandparents and aunts took turns taking care of her until she graduated from Westwood High School in Marysville, CA. She then went on to cosmetology school.
Soon after, Merlyn, who had captivating hazel eyes and a warm, welcoming smile, met Hubert G. Lambeth. The dapper young former soldier had just returned from the European battles of WWII and was a bright, promising restaurant manager where Merlyn held a job. Their marriage changed the direction of her life as she became a career mother. Hubert rejoined the Army and swept her away to many places throughout the United States and overseas. Often she managed the family and household on her own until she and their children could join him. Frequently this meant that she had the responsibility of moving the growing family and household by herself.
At age 20, she and her firstborn (daughter Laura) left San Antonio and sailed to Japan to reunite with her husband who was taking part in that country’s restoration. “I was ‘made in Japan,’ but born in Texas, USA,” her second daughter, Judith, quipped. She explained, “My sister, at 18 months, developed a tumor on the back of her neck, so we had to fly back to San Antonio, where I was born.”
In San Antonio, local friends taught the vivacious mother how to make Tex-Mex cheese enchiladas. The hot and spicy dish became so popular that her children begged her to make them. As a special treat, she often made them for birthday parties while their talented father served Shirley Temples for the children and daiquiris for the adults.
Merlyn, who had a certain beauty about her that reminded people of the young and stunning Queen Elizabeth II, loaded up the family and moved to various military assignments, including five years on a secluded coastal Army post tucked behind the bushy, rolling hills behind Sausalito, CA, across the Golden Gate Bridge from San Francisco. In 1961, she packed up her five children, including a newborn, leading the way to faraway, enchanting Okinawa. She loved living there, where she learned to sew gorgeous, brightly colored kimonos for Japanese dolls and took up square dancing with her fun-loving husband and older daughters.
After nearly 20 years as a devoted housewife and mother, Merlyn dusted off a typewriter to develop her office skills. Eventually she worked for the government, holding demanding positions that included White Sands Missile Range, N.M., and the Immigration and Naturalization Service in downtown El Paso, TX.
In 1990 she returned to San Antonio so that her youngest daughter, Angela, could go to college. Retired and looking for ways to have fun, she began dancing at least twice a week. She loved walking in the fresh air and taught a Sit and Be Fit exercise class in her retired seniors’ apartments. A few years later she discovered that she enjoyed playing Bingo with her longtime companion, Michael Tonetti, and was thrilled when she won. She also loved traveling to El Paso and Reno, NV, to enjoy her sons and their families. Her two grandchildren in El Paso began calling her, “Grandma San Antonio.”
Always kissing and hugging her loved ones, and never showing favoritism because she loved them all, she often was heard to say, “I love you more,” when she was lovingly told, “I love you, Mom.” She will be missed so much.
Merlyn is survived by six children: Laura Ann Lambeth and companion, Jack Calhoun; Judith Rae Bruni and husband, Mark; Lige Albert Lambeth and wife Deborah Kay; James Rodney Lambeth; Thomas Wade Lambeth; Angela Mary Repa and husband Mark; daughter-in-law Janet Marie Lambeth; grandchildren Kevin James Lambeth and wife Karem; Kelly Marie Lambeth; Abigail Joy Repa; Daniel Charles Proper; Jennifer Lynn Allred; four great-grandchildren; cousins Lew and Ren Greene; several nieces and a nephew.
Pallbearers will be: Lige Lambeth, James Lambeth, Kevin Lambeth, Kelly Lambeth, Mark Bruni, and Mark Repa.
In lieu of flowers, if preferred, donations may be made in Merlyn’s memory to North West Assembly of God and/or the Alzheimer’s Association.
The family would like to thank CIMA Hospice and Park Lane West respite for taking such good care of their sweet mother for the last four years. Additionally, much appreciation and love to long-time family friend Deborah Hardin and Northwest Assembly of God church members.
www.everloved.com
IN MEMORY OF Merlyn Larter Norris
May 31, 1928-November 2, 2018
Merlyn Norris loved dancing, playing Bingo, cooking, and sewing.
“Most of all, she dearly loved her six children, and was a devoted mother,” her eldest daughter, Laura Lambeth, said. “She also had an alluring and dazzling smile and just loved being with people.”
Merlyn was nicknamed “Merlie” when she was a child, went by “Suzie” for a time in her mid-years, and always preferred “Marilyn” over Merlyn as she felt it was more feminine than her birth name.
Merlyn was called to the Lord early Friday morning on November 2, 2018, after suffering from illnesses related to Alzheimer’s disease. Visitation will be from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 8, at Castillo Mission Funeral Home. The funeral service, officiated by the Rev. Kathy Moore of North West Assembly of God, is scheduled at 10 a.m. Friday, Nov. 9, in the Castillo Home Chapel. Interment will follow at San Fernando Cemetery III.
Born in Salmon, ID, on May 31, 1928, Merlyn tragically lost her mother when she was two years old. Her beloved older sister, whom she idolized, died of a burst appendix when Merlie was just seven years old. Her father worked for the railroad and was gone for long periods of time, so her grandparents and aunts took turns taking care of her until she graduated from Westwood High School in Marysville, CA. She then went on to cosmetology school.
Soon after, Merlyn, who had captivating hazel eyes and a warm, welcoming smile, met Hubert G. Lambeth. The dapper young former soldier had just returned from the European battles of WWII and was a bright, promising restaurant manager where Merlyn held a job. Their marriage changed the direction of her life as she became a career mother. Hubert rejoined the Army and swept her away to many places throughout the United States and overseas. Often she managed the family and household on her own until she and their children could join him. Frequently this meant that she had the responsibility of moving the growing family and household by herself.
At age 20, she and her firstborn (daughter Laura) left San Antonio and sailed to Japan to reunite with her husband who was taking part in that country’s restoration. “I was ‘made in Japan,’ but born in Texas, USA,” her second daughter, Judith, quipped. She explained, “My sister, at 18 months, developed a tumor on the back of her neck, so we had to fly back to San Antonio, where I was born.”
In San Antonio, local friends taught the vivacious mother how to make Tex-Mex cheese enchiladas. The hot and spicy dish became so popular that her children begged her to make them. As a special treat, she often made them for birthday parties while their talented father served Shirley Temples for the children and daiquiris for the adults.
Merlyn, who had a certain beauty about her that reminded people of the young and stunning Queen Elizabeth II, loaded up the family and moved to various military assignments, including five years on a secluded coastal Army post tucked behind the bushy, rolling hills behind Sausalito, CA, across the Golden Gate Bridge from San Francisco. In 1961, she packed up her five children, including a newborn, leading the way to faraway, enchanting Okinawa. She loved living there, where she learned to sew gorgeous, brightly colored kimonos for Japanese dolls and took up square dancing with her fun-loving husband and older daughters.
After nearly 20 years as a devoted housewife and mother, Merlyn dusted off a typewriter to develop her office skills. Eventually she worked for the government, holding demanding positions that included White Sands Missile Range, N.M., and the Immigration and Naturalization Service in downtown El Paso, TX.
In 1990 she returned to San Antonio so that her youngest daughter, Angela, could go to college. Retired and looking for ways to have fun, she began dancing at least twice a week. She loved walking in the fresh air and taught a Sit and Be Fit exercise class in her retired seniors’ apartments. A few years later she discovered that she enjoyed playing Bingo with her longtime companion, Michael Tonetti, and was thrilled when she won. She also loved traveling to El Paso and Reno, NV, to enjoy her sons and their families. Her two grandchildren in El Paso began calling her, “Grandma San Antonio.”
Always kissing and hugging her loved ones, and never showing favoritism because she loved them all, she often was heard to say, “I love you more,” when she was lovingly told, “I love you, Mom.” She will be missed so much.
Merlyn is survived by six children: Laura Ann Lambeth and companion, Jack Calhoun; Judith Rae Bruni and husband, Mark; Lige Albert Lambeth and wife Deborah Kay; James Rodney Lambeth; Thomas Wade Lambeth; Angela Mary Repa and husband Mark; daughter-in-law Janet Marie Lambeth; grandchildren Kevin James Lambeth and wife Karem; Kelly Marie Lambeth; Abigail Joy Repa; Daniel Charles Proper; Jennifer Lynn Allred; four great-grandchildren; cousins Lew and Ren Greene; several nieces and a nephew.
Pallbearers will be: Lige Lambeth, James Lambeth, Kevin Lambeth, Kelly Lambeth, Mark Bruni, and Mark Repa.
In lieu of flowers, if preferred, donations may be made in Merlyn’s memory to North West Assembly of God and/or the Alzheimer’s Association.
The family would like to thank CIMA Hospice and Park Lane West respite for taking such good care of their sweet mother for the last four years. Additionally, much appreciation and love to long-time family friend Deborah Hardin and Northwest Assembly of God church members.
www.everloved.com
May 31, 1928-November 2, 2018
Merlyn Norris loved dancing, playing Bingo, cooking, and sewing.
“Most of all, she dearly loved her six children, and was a devoted mother,” her eldest daughter, Laura Lambeth, said. “She also had an alluring and dazzling smile and just loved being with people.”
Merlyn was nicknamed “Merlie” when she was a child, went by “Suzie” for a time in her mid-years, and always preferred “Marilyn” over Merlyn as she felt it was more feminine than her birth name.
Merlyn was called to the Lord early Friday morning on November 2, 2018, after suffering from illnesses related to Alzheimer’s disease. Visitation will be from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 8, at Castillo Mission Funeral Home. The funeral service, officiated by the Rev. Kathy Moore of North West Assembly of God, is scheduled at 10 a.m. Friday, Nov. 9, in the Castillo Home Chapel. Interment will follow at San Fernando Cemetery III.
Born in Salmon, ID, on May 31, 1928, Merlyn tragically lost her mother when she was two years old. Her beloved older sister, whom she idolized, died of a burst appendix when Merlie was just seven years old. Her father worked for the railroad and was gone for long periods of time, so her grandparents and aunts took turns taking care of her until she graduated from Westwood High School in Marysville, CA. She then went on to cosmetology school.
Soon after, Merlyn, who had captivating hazel eyes and a warm, welcoming smile, met Hubert G. Lambeth. The dapper young former soldier had just returned from the European battles of WWII and was a bright, promising restaurant manager where Merlyn held a job. Their marriage changed the direction of her life as she became a career mother. Hubert rejoined the Army and swept her away to many places throughout the United States and overseas. Often she managed the family and household on her own until she and their children could join him. Frequently this meant that she had the responsibility of moving the growing family and household by herself.
At age 20, she and her firstborn (daughter Laura) left San Antonio and sailed to Japan to reunite with her husband who was taking part in that country’s restoration. “I was ‘made in Japan,’ but born in Texas, USA,” her second daughter, Judith, quipped. She explained, “My sister, at 18 months, developed a tumor on the back of her neck, so we had to fly back to San Antonio, where I was born.”
In San Antonio, local friends taught the vivacious mother how to make Tex-Mex cheese enchiladas. The hot and spicy dish became so popular that her children begged her to make them. As a special treat, she often made them for birthday parties while their talented father served Shirley Temples for the children and daiquiris for the adults.
Merlyn, who had a certain beauty about her that reminded people of the young and stunning Queen Elizabeth II, loaded up the family and moved to various military assignments, including five years on a secluded coastal Army post tucked behind the bushy, rolling hills behind Sausalito, CA, across the Golden Gate Bridge from San Francisco. In 1961, she packed up her five children, including a newborn, leading the way to faraway, enchanting Okinawa. She loved living there, where she learned to sew gorgeous, brightly colored kimonos for Japanese dolls and took up square dancing with her fun-loving husband and older daughters.
After nearly 20 years as a devoted housewife and mother, Merlyn dusted off a typewriter to develop her office skills. Eventually she worked for the government, holding demanding positions that included White Sands Missile Range, N.M., and the Immigration and Naturalization Service in downtown El Paso, TX.
In 1990 she returned to San Antonio so that her youngest daughter, Angela, could go to college. Retired and looking for ways to have fun, she began dancing at least twice a week. She loved walking in the fresh air and taught a Sit and Be Fit exercise class in her retired seniors’ apartments. A few years later she discovered that she enjoyed playing Bingo with her longtime companion, Michael Tonetti, and was thrilled when she won. She also loved traveling to El Paso and Reno, NV, to enjoy her sons and their families. Her two grandchildren in El Paso began calling her, “Grandma San Antonio.”
Always kissing and hugging her loved ones, and never showing favoritism because she loved them all, she often was heard to say, “I love you more,” when she was lovingly told, “I love you, Mom.” She will be missed so much.
Merlyn is survived by six children: Laura Ann Lambeth and companion, Jack Calhoun; Judith Rae Bruni and husband, Mark; Lige Albert Lambeth and wife Deborah Kay; James Rodney Lambeth; Thomas Wade Lambeth; Angela Mary Repa and husband Mark; daughter-in-law Janet Marie Lambeth; grandchildren Kevin James Lambeth and wife Karem; Kelly Marie Lambeth; Abigail Joy Repa; Daniel Charles Proper; Jennifer Lynn Allred; four great-grandchildren; cousins Lew and Ren Greene; several nieces and a nephew.
Pallbearers will be: Lige Lambeth, James Lambeth, Kevin Lambeth, Kelly Lambeth, Mark Bruni, and Mark Repa.
In lieu of flowers, if preferred, donations may be made in Merlyn’s memory to North West Assembly of God and/or the Alzheimer’s Association.
The family would like to thank CIMA Hospice and Park Lane West respite for taking such good care of their sweet mother for the last four years. Additionally, much appreciation and love to long-time family friend Deborah Hardin and Northwest Assembly of God church members.
www.everloved.com
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