Norma Jean Cantrell

Norma Jean Cantrell, age 90, of Cape Girardeau, Missouri departed this life on Saturday, October 22, 2022. She was born in the great state of South Carolina but resided most of her life in rural Southeast Missouri.

She was predeceased by her parents Ila Belle and Charles Bennett, her beloved husband, Robert C. Cantrell and one sister Charlotte Jane Bennett. Norma Jean is survived by her two children, Norma Lea Miller (Charles) of Caruthersville, MO, Ben Cantrell (Stephanie) of Cape Girardeau, MO and grandchildren Patrick Pery, Lauren Miller (J.C. Cutler), and Matt Cantrell (Kate). She was also blessed with one great grandchild, Carson Hardesty.

She was an open, loving and giving individual who had numerous passions and many friends and interests. She was an artist who sometimes sang opera while preparing meals. She was a great lover of fashion and was deeply attached to her shoe collection and extensive array of turquoise jewelry. She was a diminutive soul with a gigantic personality, and you knew and felt her presence in any room. Her greatest asset and gift to us was her complete devotion to family and we will forever love and miss her.

Visitation will be at 2:00 p.m. at the H.S. Smith Funeral Home Chapel with a Celebration of Life Service to follow at 3:00 p.m. Norma Jean loved everybody and every cause so if you wish to honor her, please donate to whatever charitable institution you deem appropriate.