Norma Jean Braden

Funeral services for Norma Jean Braden, 97, of Lufkin will be held Monday, February 10, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. in the Carroway Funeral Home Chapel with Stacy Perkins officiating. Interment will follow in the Garden of Memories Memorial Park.

Norma "Grandmommie" Braden, a devoted wife, loving mother, doting grandmother, and beloved teacher, passed away peacefully in her home in Lufkin, Texas, on February 6, 2025, at the age of 97. Born at home in Hollister, Oklahoma, on January 18, 1928, to Homer and Juanita (Fleming) Uzzell, Norma led a life filled with love, faith, and dedication to family and community.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Sam Braden;  brother, David Uzzell; great-grandson, Braden Strebeck; and great-granddaughters, Skyler and Tabitha Braamber.

She is survived by her children, Kathryn Braden, Karen and Frank Mitchell, and Sammy Braden; granddaughters, Kristin Braamber, Dustina Mitchell, Kelley and Mike Chissus, Tiffany Braden, and Hilliary Fontenot; as well as several great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren. She also leaves behind cherished family friend Pam Brown, a loving caretaker; Jessica Ivy, a cat; and a handful of chickens.

For the last several years of her life, Norma was lovingly cared for by her devoted daughter, Karen Mitchell. Her final years were filled with joy as she attended National Quartet Conventions in Pigeon Forge, TN, and Texas Praise Fests in Richland, TX, accompanied by Karen and family friends, Travis and Nelda Glover. A passionate lover of music, she frequently attended community events, including performances at the Pines Theater, Civic Band concerts, and Praise Orchestra concerts. She never missed a practice of the Harmony Hill Orchestra, singing along to every hymn she could remember. As a dedicated piano teacher, one of her greatest joys was witnessing her former students sing, play, and perform music of all genres.

Norma met Sam Braden, the love of her life when he began working for her father, Homer Uzzell. After Sam returned from the Army following World War II, they married on November 9, 1946. The couple moved to Lufkin, Texas, in the 1950s, where Norma pursued higher education while raising a family. She graduated from Stephen F. Austin State University in 1962 with a degree in teaching. Norma dedicated her career to education, teaching in Wells, TX, from 1962-1989, with a brief tenure at Alreds Business School. Beloved by her students, she was known for her engaging teaching style, particularly in business classes. Her typing students fondly recalled her rhythmic "AAA space AAA" instructions. The outpouring of love from her former students was evident at her surprise 90th birthday celebration, where over 100 former students gathered to honor her.

A woman of deep faith and boundless generosity, Norma adored children, especially her grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren. She had a gentle word of encouragement for everyone she met, spreading grace and God’s love.

Norma's warmth extended into her kitchen, where she delighted in cooking and baking for family and friends. She was renowned for her angel food cakes and homemade cinnamon rolls. With a simple phone call, she could gather her loved ones and turn her home into a place of joy, laughter, and delicious treats.

She enjoyed sewing garments for her daughters and granddaughters, often rising to the challenge of their creative designs, including elaborate Halloween costumes. Later in life, she found peace in watching wildlife visit her feeders, tending to her ever-expanding collection of plants, and marveling at her vegetable garden while her chickens roamed the yard.

An active member of First Baptist Church for many decades, Norma served faithfully by working in the church nursery, teaching Sunday School, and baking for church events. She dearly cherished her Sunday School class, taught by Mrs. Chris Browning.

Norma’s love for life extended to many passions, including supporting her great-grandson at his baseball games, reminiscing about her own softball days when she played alongside her mother, showing up to every band concert, singing recital, livestock show, and every other event her grand/great/and great-great-grandchildren participated in. She was always the number one fan in attendance.

Norma spent countless hours working cattle alongside her husband. It was truly a family affair, with everyone on duty multiple times throughout the year. No matter how challenging the task, Norma was always there—providing an abundance of food to keep everyone going, offering words of encouragement when the cows didn’t cooperate, and tirelessly covering miles on foot to help herd and corral those “rascals.” Her dedication, resilience, and unwavering spirit left a lasting impression on all who worked beside her.

One of Norma’s favorite pastimes was sharing family stories with anyone who would listen. Her children and grandchildren love repeating the tales she told, cherishing the warmth and wisdom woven into each memory. They would compare stories, delighting in the details and playfully boasting when they managed to uncover a new tidbit that others hadn’t heard before. Through her storytelling, she kept the family’s history alive, creating a lasting legacy of love, laughter, and connection.

Gardening was a passion Norma and Sam shared. Every year, they tended to an extensive vegetable garden filled with a variety of produce, which they carefully canned and preserved to last through the winter months. There was always a treasure trove of produce from plump tomatoes to savory squash, and of course, the joyous rituals of shucking corn and shelling peas while everyone shared stories and laughter. Their garden was more than just a source of nourishment—it was a place of togetherness, hard work, and love. They spent countless hours alongside their children and grandchildren, working the land they cherished while passing down their deep appreciation for nature and self-sufficiency to future generations.

One of the most cherished times in Norma’s life was co-hosting a weekly radio program with her brother, David. Together, they filled the airwaves with laughter, singing and playing a variety of instruments. Every show began with the song “Side by Side,” a fitting tribute to their close bond. Today, in celebration of her life and the loved ones she is now reunited with in heaven, we will sing that very song—honoring the joy, love, and connection she shared with so many.

Norma spent countless hours handwriting letters to family members near and far, ensuring that no distance ever felt too great. When her children and grandchildren were away at college or had moved to new places, they eagerly anticipated receiving one of her cherished “happy mail” letters. She was everyone’s first pen pal and remained the best throughout her life, filling each note with love, encouragement, and a personal touch that made every recipient feel special. Her words created lasting connections and will be treasured for generations to come.

Norma and Sam shared a love for travel, exploring far and wide across the United States, into Canada, and all the way up to Alaska, pulling a camper behind them. Their adventures instilled a passion for camping and travel in their family, creating cherished memories across generations. Countless hours were spent fishing, skiing on various lakes, wandering through National and State Parks, and taking in the breathtaking scenery of the Rocky Mountains. These journeys were more than just trips—they were moments of togetherness, discovery, and a testament to their adventurous spirit.

Her home was always a place of warmth and welcome. As she often said, "There’s always room at Grandmommie and Pawpaw’s house. The door is always open for you. There’s always room for one more. I love you."

Norma Braden’s legacy of love, kindness, and devotion will continue to live on in the hearts of those she touched.

The family will welcome friends and loved ones from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Sunday evening at the funeral home.

Memories and condolences may be added, and live webcasting of the services may be viewed, at www.carrowayfuneralhome.com.

Carroway Funeral Home, Lufkin, directors.