Obituary of Norma Sweat

Norma Jean Sweat March 3, 1938 - June 28, 2015 Norma Jean Hodge was born in Middlesboro, Kentucky on March 3, 1938. She was the one of six children born from the union of the late Reverend Lee P. and the late Hazel (Dalton) Hodge. At the age of eleven Norma's family moved to Monroe for her father to pastor a church. Here she would attend Jefferson Schools and later Monroe High School. She married the love of her life, Jackie C. Sweat on June 4, 1959, and from this union would come the birth of three children. Norma was a firecracker with a great sense of humor. Life was always interesting with Norma around. She always spoke the truth whether or not you wanted to hear it in her all too familiar Southern drawl. Norma worked outside the home for several employers including: Kreseges, Ace Paper, Bay Corrugated, and La-Z-Boy. For ten years she was employed by Monroe Public Schools Kid's Club at Raisinville retiring in 1995. Norma was very outgoing and for many years she bowled in league play and coached at the Monroe Sports Center. She also enjoyed playing bingo and visiting the casino with family. She received her spiritual nourishment as a member of Monroe Full Gospel. Norma, age 77, of Monroe passed away at Promedica Monroe Regional Hospital at 5:30am on Sunday, June 28, 2015. Her loving family was by her side. In addition to her parents her passing was preceded by her brother: Sonny Hodge; two sisters: Emma Richileau and Carolyn Kenyon; and three nephews: Joe, Ron and Larry Richileau. To cherish her memory she leaves her loving husband of fifty six years: Jack of Monroe; three children: Peggy Ann Mayner of Monroe, Jack Anthony (Lisa) Sweat of Vulcan, Michigan and William Paul (Laura) Sweat of Adrian; a sister: Donna (Gerald) Held of Monroe; a brother: Michael (Terry) Hodge of Erie; eight grandchildren; and five great grandchildren. Friends may gather from 2:00-8:00pm, Wednesday, July 1, 2015 at Merkle Funeral Service; 2442 North Monroe Street (734)384-5185. She will lie in state from 10:00am until A Celebration of Her Life at 11:00am on Thursday, July 2 at Monroe Full Gospel Church with Pastors Harold Raines and Gary Pickrell co-officiating. Procession will follow to Roselawn. Memorials are suggested to the Wounded Warrior Project or Disabled American Veterans. Online guests may leave words of inspiration and comfort or share a photo by visiting www.merklefs.com; Online Tributes page.