Norma Jean Jackman, age 82 and a lifelong resident of Elwood, passed away in her sleep on Wednesday, January 17, 2018 at home after a fulfilling life and a courageous battle with cancer. She was born on February 18, 1935 in Elwood, the daughter of Gail and Mable (Corbett) Beeman. Norma was a Certified Nurse's Aide at Dickey Nursing Home in Elwood for over 10 years before the facility closed. Norma attended Elwood schools, and was also formerly employed at Fettig's canning factory for several years. She married the love of her life, Ervin S. Jackman, on May 3, 1958, and they shared over 54 years of marriage together. Norma was also a dedicated homemaker, and truly loved caring for her family and their home. She took great pride in the appearance of their property – both inside and outside. She enjoyed planting flowers and gardening, and was frequently seen working outside in the yard. Shopping at Kohl's and flea marketing were two of her favorite pastimes. She also enjoyed sewing, solving cross-word puzzles and assembling jigsaw puzzles. Before his passing, she and Ervin made a date of going out to dinner every Friday night, just the two of them. They truly enjoyed their retirement years before their health changed their priorities. In recent years, Norma especially liked watching Rev. Jimmy Swaggart on television and listening to country and gospel music. She will be lovingly remembered for serving others, and her unselfish devotion to her family.

Norma's family legacy includes two children, Renee Maddox and Michael Jackman both of Elwood; sister, Shirley Reeves; brother, Jimmie Beeman of Elwood; 5 grandchildren, Christle Head, Chelsea Christie, Zack Hartman, Nick Hartman, and Jerica Jackman; 8 great-grandchildren, Craig Wilburn, Peacelynn Moore, Timothy Head, Hunter Head, Travis Head, Natalie Head, Alexianna Christie, and Mallorie Hartman; several nieces and nephews; and her beloved dog "Precious." Norma was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Ervin Jackman in 2013; son, David Jackman; brother, Robert Beeman; and son-in-law, Tim Maddox in 2017.

A funeral service celebrating Norma's life will be conducted at 6:00 PM on Monday, January 22, 2018, at Copher-Fesler-May Funeral Home in Elwood with Pastor Bill Johnston of Grace United Methodist Church officiating. Burial will take place in Elwood City Cemetery at a later date. Visitation for family and friends will be held from 3 to 6 PM on Monday prior to the funeral service at Copher-Fesler-May Funeral Home. Memorial contributions are suggested to the Morrisett Center Food Pantry or the Elwood Animal Shelter through the funeral home. Online expressions of condolence to the family may be made at copherfeslermay.com.