The family of Norma Jean (Burns) Hand is sad to announce the passing of our beloved mother and Memaw. She was born on May 15, 1936 to Birdie (Deason) and David Clinton Burns. She was the fourth child of a family of 8 children: Bobby Burns, Harry Lee Burns, Billy Burns, Allen Burns, Dorothy Looney, Shirley Hutyra and Marilyn Knight. Her siblings called her “Sis” and dearly loved her.
Norma attended Ross Elementary, West High School, and graduated from Waco High in 1954. In that year, she also married Wallace E Hand of Chalk Bluff. The two met at Chalk Bluff Baptist Church where she was a constant member from the time she was 12 years old. She and Wallace raised four daughters, Marcelene, Kathy, Paula, and Patty, in the Elm Mott/Ross area. She loved to cook and taught this skill to all of her daughters.
Norma was very active in all of the girls’ activities from Sunday School and GA’s to School activities including basketball where she often attended more than one game a night to see as many of everyone’s games as possible. She camped with Scouts, sat through piano recitals and beauty pageants, attended plays, and hosted many, many sleepovers in support of her girls. When her daughters started having children, she carried right on with her grandchildren attending dance recitals, band performances, and soccer and baseball games. She frequently shipped cookies to grandkids all around the US and the world.
Norma had a huge heart for children, offering a home while helping to raise various nieces and nephews. She also ferried many local children back and forth to church. More than one person credits Norma’s love and dedication for their inclusion in the Kingdom of Heaven.
She was a hard worker, working many, many jobs during her lifetime to help support her family including her final job as a candy packer at M&M Mars. She loved this job, and fondly remembered many good times there, especially the many friends she made.
Norma is survived by her four daughters: Marci Kimes and husband Ken of Alvin, TX, Kathy Ballesteros and longtime partner Paul Barton of West, TX, Paula Peters and husband Ron of China Spring, TX and Patty Pirko and husband Matt of Lorena, TX as well as ten grandchildren and nine (soon to be ten) great-grandchildren. Also, her brother Allen Burns and wife Rosemary of San Antonio, TX, sister Shirley Hutyra and husband Edward of Cleburne, TX and sister Marilyn Knight of Waco, TX. She will be dearly missed and remembered by many, many relatives and friends.
She loved God. She loved her family, and she loved Chalk Bluff Baptist Church.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are gratefully appreciated to Chalk Bluff Baptist Church (Kitchen Fund) 5993 Gholson Rd. Waco, TX, 76705.
Services will be at Lake Shore Funeral Home (5201 Steinbeck Bend Dr, Waco, TX 76708) with visitation Monday, November 1 from 6 – 8 PM and service Tuesday, November 2 at 10 AM. Click here to View the Live Stream of the Service.
Place of Service: Lake Shore Funeral Home Chapel , 5201 Steinbeck Bend; Waco, TX 76708
Print Obituary & Condolences
Some people make the world more special by their presence in it. You girls were blessed with amazing parents. Much love and condolences to all she loved and impacted in her life.
Dear Marci and family,
Please accept my heartfelt condolences on the passing of your mother. Love and prayers.
Norma was always a sweetheart to me and my family. She was a true godly Christian lady who showed God’s love in many ways. I’m sure she is face to face in the presence of Jesus now as He promised those who love Him. I’m sorry to have to miss her services as Harold and I will be out of town. My love and condolences to her wonderful family.
Patti, Matt and family- So very sorry to hear about Ms. Norma. She was such a sweet person and so friendly. Always in a good mood and seemed so happy to be back in church. I will miss seeing her on her scooter coming down the hall. She was a thoughtful person as well, She shared a birthday with one of my sons-Ryan and she even made him some homemade chocolate chip cookies on year and sent them with me to give to him. She will truly be missed. I will keep you guys in my thoughts and prayers.
Kathy and Family,
Prayers and condolences for you during this difficult time.
Barbara and I send our condolences to Aunt Norma’s family. It has always been my view that Norma lived life to the fullest and focused on her family and close friends. We feel fortunate for the time we were able to spend with her. I know she will be sorely missed even though she has moved on to a better place.
Prayers and condolences to your family at this time. We will all miss Norma very much. She was a very sweet person.
Ramsey Family, Elm Mott
Marcelene, Kathy, Paula, and Patty, I am so sorry to learn of your mother’s death. To me, she and your Dad exemplified the best of Christian family values. They were hard working, generous with their time and attention to others, always pleasant company, and obviously devoted to you four girls.
Norma, Wallace, and each of you hold a special place in my heart and I thank you.
Pat Rogers