Norma Jean Wise

Norma Jean Wise January 8, 1929 September 24, 2013 Norma Jean Wise of Waco passed away peacefully Tuesday, September, 24, 2013. A memorial service celebrating her life will be 11:00 a.m. Saturday, September 28, at Cogdell Memorial United Methodist Church with The Revs. Doug Blackford and Kay Hawkins leading the worship. Committal service will be 9:30 a.m., Saturday at Oakwood Cemetery. Visitation with the family will be 4:00-7:00 p.m., Friday, September 27, at Wilkirson-Hatch-Bailey Funeral Home. Jean was born on January 8, 1929, to Earl Emmanuel and Eugenia Dollins Lee in Coryell County. She graduated from Turnersville High School as valedictorian of her class and then completed studies at 4C Business College. She met the love of her life, Joe D. Wise, while working in the office of the Katy Railroad. She loved the Lord and her family and devoted her life to being an excellent homemaker. She was also actively involved in Cogdell Memorial United Methodist Church, PTA and Forum Study Club, preferring to work in the background supporting those in leadership positions. Jean developed a keen interest in antiques and began Jeanne's Antiques to avoid empty nest syndrome. She and Joe thrived as they traveled throughout the nation on buying trips, and especially enjoyed fall seasonal trips to the northeast. They worked antiques shows throughout Texas and later at a mall in New Braunfels. They treasured the many friendships developed with interesting people they met in their travels. Jean loved researching a wide array of antiques and had an amazing memory for details, which made the tragedy of her succumbing to Alzheimer's disease even more painful for all who knew her. She was also passionate about flower gardening which provided her with a special place for peaceful, spiritual contemplation in stressful times of prolonged family illnesses. After Joe's death, she took several bus tours throughout the United States and British Columbia. Her most treasured journey, the Walk to Emmaus, was one that she shared with her daughter, Cindy. Jean loved to laugh and enjoy life to the fullest. Her story would be incomplete without mentioning her enthusiasm for clothing and shoes. Even as her disease progressed, her meticulously-groomed and fashionable appearance remained a high priority for her. Much more importantly, though, she continued to bless her family and others around her with her sweet and positive spirit. We rejoice that she has found eternal peace as she walks with God in His heavenly garden. Norma Jean was preceded in death by her parents; and her husband, Joe D. Wise. She is survived by her loving daughter, Cynthia Cindy Dougherty and husband, William Will, of Waco; and brother, Kermit Earl Lee and wife, Karen, of Gatesville. The family wishes to express their deep appreciation to the staff of Providence Hospice and Wesley Woods Healthcare Center for their loving care and compassion. Memorials may be made to Cogdell Memorial United Methodist Church Building Fund. The family invites you to leave a message or memory in our "Memorial Guestbook" at www.WilkirsonHatchBailey.com.