Norma Mae Lively, of Olton, Texas, closed her eyes to her earthly home when Jesus stepped into her room and said, "Norma your mansion is ready, it's time to come home". She left her earthly bonds and took Jesus' hand on Tuesday, June 3, 2025, at the age of 94. Graveside services will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, June 7, 2025, at Olton Cemetery with Rev. Richard Harbison officiating and under the care of Ramage Funeral Directors. Public viewing will be held from 12:00 to 1:00 p.m., Saturday, June 7, at Ramage Funeral Directors, in Olton.

Norma was born on April 20, 1931, to Otto and Minnie Zeiss, in Indian Gap, Texas. She married John D. Lively on August 14,1948 and they moved to Olton in 1952. Norma's love for Jesus and people was demonstrated in helping others, spending many hours since her retirement helping family and friends. For years, she helped the "elderly" by driving them to Dr. appointments and to "town" for shopping. She worked for the Olton Independent school district for 28 years, the last several as a lunchroom supervisor, where she served many wonderful home cooked meals. Numerous students passed in front of her to present their tickets for a punch.

In 2009, she was awarded Citizen Through the Years by the Olton Chamber of Commerce and in that same year she was recognized as a Volunteer of the Year for 2008-2009 by RSVP.  She also served with the Salvation Army, in Houston, after Hurricane Ike, helping provide meals to those in need. Norma spent many years teaching Sunday School and holding various other roles in her church. As an adult, she decided to take piano lessons in order to meet the need for a church pianist for Hopewell Baptist Church and later Victory Life Baptist Church. She also served in the homebound ministry and in many other areas for First Baptist Church.

She loved to crochet and quilt and made many beautiful things for family and friends.

Norma has left a legacy of servitude to her children and grandchildren.

Norma is preceded in death by her parents, Otto and Minnie Zeiss, a brother, Herman Zeiss, and a sister Mary Nell Allen, her husband J.D. and a daughter, Gloria.

She is survived by two sons, James and Beth Lively of San Angelo, and Paul and Kareen Lively of Lubbock, one brother,  Alvin Zeiss of Cheboygan, Michigan, and one sister, Ann Haston of Bonham, TX.  She was blessed with five grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren and 3 great-great-grandchildren.

The family suggests memorials be made to Hospice of Lubbock - We Honor Veterans Attn Brett Beck 5315 Torrance Blvd. Suite B-1 Torrance, CA 90503 or the First Baptist Church PO Box 408 Olton, TX 79064.

The family would like to express special thanks to Hospice of Lubbock employees, Ashley, Monica, Alyssa, Tehya, Cheyenne, Hillary, Ben, and the staff at Lakeside Nursing.