Norma Champion Carson

Norma Champion Carson, 99, entered her heavenly home on the morning of September 13, 2025. Her faith became sight as her Savior welcomed her home.

Norma was born in Dripping Springs, Texas, on June 18, 1926, to Worth and Sadie (Spillar) Champion. She grew up there and graduated in 1943 as both Valedictorian and Student Body President. After attending business college, she worked for the IRS while living at the YWCA (Young Women’s Christian Association) in Austin.

On Valentine’s Day in 1946, Norma met the love of her life, William James “Bill” Carson, on a blind date. They married later that year on November 8th and built their life together at Sleepy Hollow Ranch in Val Verde County, and attended church in Ozona. In 1954, they moved into town for their children, Billy and Bonnie, to attend school. That same year, when Ozona was struck by the historic flood, Bill helped set up a food kitchen in the girls’ gym at the school, where Norma cooked Spam and beans for the community.

Norma’s life was full of adventure, fun, service, and a little mischief. She enjoyed fishing and deer hunting with her family. She and Billy were a team to beat, as well as partners in finding arrowheads. Thanks to her mother-in-law’s generosity, she began traveling overseas in 1963, eventually visiting 17 countries, including China shortly after it opened, and Greece, where she celebrated her 86th birthday at the Parthenon with Bonnie and Buddy.

She also served her community as a Boy Scout leader, Girl Scout volunteer, and room mother. She was Worthy Matron in the Eastern Star, a founding member of the Women’s League, and later an active member of the Woman’s Forum. As an encourager and supporter of her community, Norma helped launch civic projects such as the downtown park statue, for which she gave the first $1,000 and recommended a capable local artist. She took members of the Women’s Forum on antique market trips to Post, TX, and to stay in the Old Garza Hotel, organized a raft ride on the Rio Grande, and even painted a Crockett County ornament which was displayed on the Christmas tree in the Texas Governor’s Mansion. On a lighter note, Norma was well known for her homemade peanut brittle, which she loved to share with friends. Her family often teased that she “bribed” the doctors and nurses when she brought it to the clinic, though everyone knew it was simply her way of showing love. Always personable and relational, Norma genuinely cared for people. She was quick to ask about their lives, their families, and how she might help or pray for them.

A woman of strong faith and prayer, Norma was devoted to the Ozona First Baptist Church, where she taught children’s Sunday School for several years. At the centennial, Norma was honored as the longest-standing member, having joined the church in 1947. Attending Paisano Baptist Encampment each summer was one of the great highlights of Norma’s year. She looked forward to it and prepared months in advance, baking dozens of cookies to share. She also began a tradition of hosting a homemade ice cream party at camp, which became a favorite for many. Norma faithfully served pinto beans at nearly every meal throughout the week, earning her the affectionate nickname “The Bean Lady.”

She cherished time with her children and grandchildren at the ranch, where they swam in the pool and played games around the dining table. Norma made sure everyone knew games were meant to be fun, even if she had to “cheat” a little to keep them interesting (a fact she admitted to in her later years with a twinkle in her eye).

Norma lived with deep gratitude and could often be heard proclaiming, “I am so blessed. The Lord has been so good to me.” Her greatest joy in life was her family, whom she loved dearly.

She is survived by her daughter, Bonnie Carson Baldridge (Buddy); her grandchildren Julie Lawford (Greg), Haley Najar (Rodney), Amanda Green (Jason), Barbi Sprinkle (Nate), Brook Culbertson (Justin), and BJ Baldridge (Jessica); 17 great-grandchildren: Chelsey Sullaway (Matthew), Abbey Lawford, Haley Lawford, Carson Green, Logan Green, Brienna Williams (Eli), Noah Sprinkle (Megan), Kira Sprinkle, Micah Sprinkle, Elijah Sprinkle, Cali Glymph (Daniel), Carson Culbertson (Abigail), Katie Culbertson, Kara Culbertson, Lainey Baldridge, Ben Baldridge, and Liam Baldridge; four great-great-grandchildren: Vivian Sullaway, Emrie Sullaway, Levi Glymph, and Caroline Williams. And many nieces and nephews. She was affectionately known as “Nono” to her grandchildren, “Aunt Norma” on the Carson side, and “Aunt Pete” on the Champion side.

She was preceded in death by her husband of over 60 years, Bill Carson; her parents, Worth and Sadie Champion; her son and daughter-in-law, Billy and Cathy Carson; and her siblings, Nola Morgan, Jack Champion, and Ruth Gary.

Norma leaves behind a rich legacy of faith, prayer, love, generosity, and humor. She will be dearly missed but forever remembered with gratitude and affection. “You are loved” was Norma’s frequent reminder to everyone who visited. If you knew her, you not only heard it—you felt loved, truly known, and, more often than not, she made you laugh.

The family is deeply grateful for the care provided to Norma by Mary Ellen Carney, Amanda Landin, Angels Care Home Health, and the staff of Kent County Nursing Home. Visitation will be Saturday, Sept 20 from 6 – 8 p.m. Funeral services will be held Sunday, September 21, 2025, at 3:p.m. at First Baptist Church, Ozona, with officiants Mark Fricke and Dr. Larry McGraw. A graveside service will follow at Cedar Hill Cemetery. Arrangements are under the direction of Preddy Funeral Home.

Memorial donations may be made to Paisano Baptist Encampment or First Baptist Church, Ozona.